Richard James Sweeney

Richard James "Dick" Sweeney
Richard James Sweeney passed away peacefully on March 24, 2024 at the age of 93. "Dick" loved his family, friends, singing and all things related to the sea.
Dick is survived by his wife of 62 years Jean Lilly Sweeney, his children Fran, Jean, Richard, Patrick, daughter-in-law Ilze, and grandchildren Caitlin, Colin, Erin, and Claire. His nephew, Paul Michael Lilly, provided support and companionship during his final years, for which we are most grateful.
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1930, Dick was raised in Freeport and spent his teen years working at the docks and on local fishing boats. After graduating from Hofstra University, he joined the Army and graduated from the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey, CA. He spent part of his service in Paris where he further developed his skills and love of all things French. Upon returning to civilian life, Dick began a 30+ year career on Wall Street.
Dick and Jean had four children while living in Baldwin, NY then moved to Garden City, NY where they raised their family and made wonderful friends at St. Joe's and with all the families on the block. Dick was a member of the church choir, was part of a local guitar and singing group, enjoyed playing tennis and golf, and shared his love of snow-skiing and the ocean with his family.
Dick continued enjoying life during retirement in Florida. He and Jean joined the St. Lucie Sailing Club and made a new set of "retirement" friends who loved being outside, on or near the water, and getting together for potluck dinners. Dick served as Commodore of the sailing club for a term as well as treasurer of the neighborhood association. In his later years, he took up watercolor painting and his pictures hang on the walls of friends and family. Dick loved being "Papa" to his grandchildren, teaching them to fish, and visiting them where they lived in California and Latvia.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 5th at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 1454 SW Mapp Rd, Palm City, FL 34990, with burial at Forest Hills Memorial Park.
Donations
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a cause dear to you.