Paul J. Sweeney

Paul J. Sweeney

January 5, 2026

Paul J. Sweeney, 76, of North Scranton, passed away peacefully at home on Monday morning, surrounded by his loving family, including his wife of 56 years, Joyce Hoynowski Sweeney. They were married on May 10, 1969, in Dunmore, Pennsylvania.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late John J. and Alice Coyle Sweeney. He was educated in the Scranton School District and later attended the University of Scranton, where he studied criminal justice. Paul proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Alpha Co. 1/5 Bn, 2nd Platoon as a Machine Gunner. He was a veteran of both the Vietnam War and the Gulf War Desert Storm. A combat wounded veteran, recipient of two Purple Hearts, an honor that reflected his bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to his fellow servicemen and his nation.

Paul was a dedicated employee of the Tobyhanna Army Depot, where he worked for 30 years as a Sheet Metal Mechanic, his work often took him to many places both foreign and domestic, including Germany which was one of his favorites. He retired after a long and proud career.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Paul was a man known for his strength, loyalty, and quiet generosity. He valued hard work, family, and service to others, and he will be remembered for his steady presence, kind heart, and deep love for those closest to him.

In addition to his beloved wife, Joyce, he is survived by his daughters, Lisa Sawicki and her husband, Philip, of Dalton, Michelle Zymblosky and her husband, Steve, of Scranton, and Paula Gallagher and her husband, Jerry, of Olyphant and his sons, P.J. Sweeney of Scranton and Jason Sweeney and his wife, Legna, of Scranton; his brothers, Robert Sweeney, James Sweeney, and Thomas Sweeney; his sisters, Mary Ann Gordon, Kathleen Casey, and Ruth Williams; nine grandchildren; Sarah, Nicole, Kaitlyn, Thomas, Phillip, Brianna, Steven, Jacob and Jason Patrick and seven great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, John Sweeney, Patricia Williams Bell, Eileen Sweeney, and Donald Sweeney as well as two grandchildren Michael and Mathew.

The funeral will be conducted on Friday, January 9, 2026, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, 320 William Street, Scranton. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Edward Knight O’Donnell Funeral Home, LLC, 323 William Street, Scranton. Those attending the Mass are asked to please proceed directly to the church on the morning of services. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Ronald McDonald House of Scranton, 332 Wheeler Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510

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