John E. "Duke" Sweeney

John E. "Duke" Sweeney

AGE: 86 • Hazlet

John E. Sweeney, "Duke", 86, of Hazlet, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 12, 2013. John was born on Oct. 9, 1926 in Jersey City, where he grew up. In 1956, he and his wife Blanche settled in Union Beach to raise their family. In 1999, they ultimately settled in Hazlet. John was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during WWII and retired from the N.J. Transit Rail Operations in 1988 after 40 years of service. He was a communicant of Holy Family R.C. Church in Union Beach, a member of the Holy Name Society, the American Legion Post #321 in Union Beach, St. Joseph's Council #3402, and a 4th degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus (St. Joseph Assembly). He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas F. and Anna (Kelly) Sweeney; and his brother, Thomas F.X. Sweeney. John is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 62 years, Blanche (Hendra) Sweeney; his loving children, Carol Schultz and her husband William of Union Beach, John G. Sweeney of Jupiter, FL, Janet Manochio and her husband Alfonse of Hazlet, Elizabeth Sweeney of Union Beach, Mark Sweeney and his wife Beth of Atlantic Highlands, and Paul Sweeney and his wife Irene of Union Beach, along with his dear brother, James V. Sweeney of Westfield. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Carrie Birch and her husband Timothy, Scott Apel and his wife Jillian, David Apel, Caitlyn, Alexandra, and Ryan Sweeney; his adored great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Tim and Tyler Birch; his ex-daughter in law, Linda Bonaparte; his ex son-in-law, Ralph Apel, along with many special nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. Family and friends are invited to visit from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 14 and from 8:15 to 9 a.m. Friday morning, March 15 at the Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3269 State Rt. 35 N., Hazlet. Mass of Christian Burial 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 15 at Holy Family R.C. Church, Union Beach. Entombment, St. Joseph's Cemetery Mausoleum, Keyport. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John to the Union Hose Fire Company, P.O. Box 783, Keyport, NJ 07735 or Holy Family R.C. Church, P.O. Box 56, Keyport, NJ 07735, would be greatly appreciated. For information, directions or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.shorepointfh.com.