Raymond W. Sweeney II

1929 - 2024

Sweeney Raymond W., II Age 94, of Malvern, passed away at home on April 9, 2024 after a short illness. He was born in Philadelphia on October 30, 1929, the son of Katharine and Harold E. Sweeney. Ray attended Lower Merion High School, where he developed lifelong friendships with his many buddies. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering as a member of the Class of 1951. At Penn, in addition to being President of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, he became a member of Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Tau, and Pi Mu Epsilon honorary societies, and was recipient of the ASTM Award in Structural Engineering. Ray was proud of his education at Penn and often attributed his business success (without formal business training) to the problem solving skills he learned as an engineer. Post-graduation, after a brief stint at Ingersoll Rand, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy where he supervised shipbuilding during the Korean War, at both the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA, and at commercial shipyards in the New York City area, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant. Upon his discharge from active duty, he had to buy and run his ailing father's business, and spent two decades turning the residentially focused heating business into the commercial sheet metal systems contractor Harold E. Sweeney Corporation. During this time he served as president of both the Sheet Metal Contractors Association of Philadelphia and the SMCA of Pennsylvania. Sweeney Corporation eventually exited the sheet metal business, and grew into a holding company whose subsidiaries, including Maris Equipment Company, were involved in wholesaling, contracting, engineering, real estate development, and construction. While stationed in Bremerton, Ray met his future wife, Beverly Lundgren. They married in October 1955, and settled in Wayne, PA, where they raised their children, Raymond III and Leslie. They spent winter taming the slopes on Camelback Mountain in the Poconos, while summers were spent in Stone Harbor, NJ. As an active member of the Yacht Club, Ray served as Commodore, Board Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board. After more than 31 years of marriage, his wife Beverly passed away after a lengthy illness. Ray was then fortunate to marry Ida Willemin, with whom he shared 37 years of marriage until his death. Ray and Ida retired to Mariner Sands in Stuart, FL, but their kids were still in Pennsylvania, so they moved back and settled in Malvern. As a member of Aronimink Golf Club, Ray was a devoted tennis player, playing into his 90's, and coordinating the senior men's tennis group for years. Ray is remembered by his family and friends for his sharp mind, athletic drive, and sense of humor. He was a devoted family man who never tired of bragging about the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Ida, son Raymond III (Corinne) and daughter Leslie Jay, stepsons Lee Willemin (Lisa) and Scott Willemin (Janelle), grandchildren Ray Sweeney IV (Ashley), Corinne Catarozoli (Taylor), Brian and Kevin Jay, Alex (Alina), Michelle, Jennifer, Jessica, and Jaqueline Willemin, 6 great-grandchildren, and sister Roberta "Bobbie" Cusato. He was predeceased by his sister Miriam Wallace and son-in-law Norman Jay. Services are to be held at 11:30 A.M., April 29, 2024 at THE CHAPEL OF PEACE, LAUREL HILL WEST, 215 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. www.laurelhillphl.com