Pastor Richard E. Sweney

Pastor Rick Sweney
February 8, 1962-February 11, 2025
Richard Elwin Sweney was born to Richard & Beverly Sweney. Raised in North Olmsted, he is the oldest of his siblings: Bob & Debbie. He attended grade school at St. Thomas Lutheran School and graduated from Lutheran High School West. In 1984, he graduated with a BA in Elementary Education from Concordia University Chicago.
He went on to teach 4th Grade at Trinity Lutheran School (Waco, TX). In the fall of 88, he entered Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. In 1991, he returned to Cleveland and worked at God's Word to the Nations Bible Society, as an English Review Coordinator, until 1997.
In 1992, Rick met his future wife, Linda and they married October 1, 1993 at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Lakewood). The Lord blessed them with four girls: Jennifer (Barry) Ward & Laura (Gary) Hanawalt, Rachel (Nathaniel) Griffin, & Kayla (Guy) Schuler. Rick & Linda have eight grandchildren: Adrienne, Alaina, Della, Easton, Daphne, Lawson, Guy and Shepherd.
In 1997, Rick began teaching 5th Grade at St. Thomas Lutheran School. In 2001, he accepted a call to teach 4th Grade at Bethany Lutheran School where he taught for eight years. In 2009, Rick enrolled at Concordia Theological Seminary and conducted his vicarage at Bethany. In 2010, he was Ordained into the Pastoral Ministry and served as Associate Pastor at Bethany until his retirement in 2024.
Rick found immense joy in sharing the word of Jesus, helping others, and most of all his family. He loved listening to music, watching Cleveland sports, and spending time with his wife Linda, their kids, and grandkids. His kindness and love will live on through each of them. Most recently, he had spent time taking care of Linda, while she undergoes treatment. With a watchful eye and loving heart, he had poured himself into her care. His love for her continued to grow stronger each day.
In lieu of flowers, any contributions to support the family can be made at - Treasured Memories Community Funding
Friends may call at BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 6041 RIDGE ROAD, PARMA FROM 1:00 PM-4:00 PM, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16. Funeral Service at the church, Monday, February 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM. Interment following at Woodvale Cemetery, Middleburg Heights.
440-842-7800 www.buschcares.com