Timothy McSweeney Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

New York, New York

Everyone's Gentle Giant
Timothy McSweeney was a big man — 6-foot-3 and far from spindly — but sweet as the day is long. "They called him the Big Guy, or the Gentle Giant," said his wife, Debbie. "Everyone was drawn to him."

He spent 14 years as a firefighter with Ladder Company 3 in the East Village, and eventually was in charge of so many things: paying the bills, going to the grocery store, cooking elaborate roast beef dinners for the company.

His best friends were other veteran firefighters from Ladder Company 3, Mrs. McSweeney said, but he also looked out for the new firefighters, the ones who are often awkward and nervous about the job.

He loved being part of a busy firehouse. He won six awards for heroism, but hardly anyone knew it, said his father, Dennis, a retired battalion chief. "He didn't brag about it," he said.

And he raced back to Staten Island at the end of every shift to be with his children: Dennis, 4, Margaret, who will be 2 at the end of the month, and Patrick, who is not quite 1.

When his wife got home from work, there they would be: Firefighter McSweeney, 37, in his brown armchair with one child perched on his shoulder, another cradled in the crook of his arm, the third nestled on his lap.

"Like one great big person," Mrs. McSweeney said.

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 18, 2001.

TIMOTHY PATRICK MCSWEENEY, 37, of New York, was a framing carpenter before joining the fire department in 1987. "Dollarwise you could do better, but guys don't do it for the monetary value," said McSweeney's father, Dennis, a retired fire department battalion chief. "It's the job satisfaction. They are happy doing what they are doing." The younger McSweeney, like many firefighters, was a top-notch cook. "He enjoyed being home with the kids," said his wife, Debra. "He would make a good meal; we just enjoyed being together."

Not sure what to say?

Get email updates for this page

Posting Guidelines|FAQ

20 plus years ago, I met yoyr beautiful wife, Debra. She lived you so. Since that day, you have been my hero. I now live in St. Louis, MO. Our city honors those we lost on 9/11, and subsequent wars fighting terrorism, by displaying flags with a photo, and or dog tags. On the 10th anniversary of that fateful day, I sought out and found your flag, with a photo of you, in remembrance. On this 20th anniversary, I will be back on Art Hill, in our, Forest Park, to honor you once more. Thank you for...

Lisa Conine, formerly of, National Estate Jewelry Buyers

September 06, 2021

Happy Birthday Big Guy. Can't believe it's been 18 years. Still miss you like it was yesterday. You were like a brother to me and you will never be forgotten!! Wish my pop a Happy Birthday for me next week. Unfortunately you have a lot of good company up there and many way too young. Love and Miss you. Junior

Daniel Cassidy

September 06, 2019 | Stanhope, NJ | Friend

September 5, 2019 Happy Birthday in Heaven Timothy P McSweeney. As long as I live you will never be forgotten.

Lorna Slifer

September 05, 2019

Dear Tim
Today is the 16th anniversary of 911. Although the years go by, and time allows for the healing process, so many of our fellow Americans will never know the true impact of that day. That is why we must remember and never forget. That is why we have an obligation to teach this part of our history, and continue to be brave. That is why we must be an example of what it means to be an American, to live free and uphold our basic human rights. You died defending those basic rights to...

Sue Trentecoste

September 11, 2017 | Lake Luzerne, NY

Happy Birthday in Heaven Timothy P. McSweeney.
37 years old was way too young to give so selflessly to save so many on that Tuesday morning. You will be remembered every day that I live, and your family is prayed for daily. Rest In Eternal Peace.

September 05, 2017

Hello Big Fella. Happy Birthday my brother. Not a day goes by without you popping in my head or talking about you. You are still truly missed. Love and miss you my friend. Say hello to Boys for me.
Junior

Danny Cassidy

September 04, 2017 | Stanhope, NJ

Thank you for your service.

kristina nelms

August 05, 2017 | Shallotte, NC

Dear Tim
Today is September 12, 2015. It is the day after the 911 anniversary of which I spent the day teaching what happened to students born after the fact. I showed the boat lift video. I told them about you. Today, the realization set in that it is the day after. For us, that day was when the true magnitude of all that had happened was revealed. And you, were no longer with us on Earth. From where you are now, please know that we will never forget. Moreover, as New Yorkers, we will...

September 12, 2015

Hello Big Fella, Happy Birthday . I am a day late but you know I didn't forget. I never will. Give my Pop a hug for me. You were a big part of the Cassidy family and always will be. Love and miss you my friend.
Junior

danny cassidy

September 06, 2015 | NJ

Timothy Patrick McSweeney

About

Obituary

Guest Book