Thomas Henry Sweeney

Thomas "Tom" Henry Sweeney, beloved friend, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Born on March 11, 1944, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Tom lived a rich, full, and fulfilling life and was cherished by all who knew him. He was 81 years old.

Tom began his professional life pursuing the priesthood, entering seminary when he was a teenager. This pursuit brought him lifelong friends. It was the source of some of his funniest stories, where he was educated and grew his love of learning and reading. After leaving seminary in his late 20s he began working for the phone company and was a dedicated line technician serving the federal government in Maryland and Washington, DC area for many years. His work ethic and commitment were admired by colleagues and friends alike. Beyond his professional life, Tom's true joys were his friends and family.

A devoted father and proud "Papa," Tom cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always taking pride in their accomplishments. He was also a lifelong Red Sox fan. Tom never missed an opportunity to cheer on his favorite team, following the Red Sox from the beginning of spring training through the World Series every year.

Tom was passionate about carpentry, home improvement, and technology. He was known within his family for his love of creating with his hands. He will be fondly remembered for his famous ice cream sodas made with Sprite, a sweet treat loved by his children and grandchildren.

Tom spent many rewarding years as a sponsor with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The bonds and friendships he formed there became an integral part of his extended family, embodying the spirit of support and fellowship. He was dedicated to his AA family and after retiring from the phone company, he worked part-time giving back to the AA and NA communities where he faithfully served those in recovery from substance misuse.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta Mae, parents, John and Mildred Sweeney, and his best friend of 68 years, Brian Fuller, who was like a brother to him. He is survived by his daughter, Meghan Sweeney Doyle (Walter) of Stella, NC; his son, Matthew Thomas Sweeney (Shelly) of Currituck, NC; his stepson, Michael Weight (Kristy) of Maryland; his grandchildren, Matthew Thomas Cole Sweeney (Cynthia), Halie Nicole Sweeney, Hannah Sweeney Scott (Andrew), McKenna Dawn Sweeney, and Kerry Doyle Kiser (Justin "Jason"); and his great-grandchildren, Bodhi Thomas Sweeney, Yara Sweeney, Penelope Sweeney, Aubree Nichols, and Kori Nichols. He also leaves behind his brother, John Michael "Jack" Sweeney (Joan) of Middleboro, MA, and his sister, Rosemary Sweeney of Stoughton, MA.

Tom's life will be celebrated at a future date in Maryland, with details to be announced. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and will live on in the hearts and memories of his loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's honor to the Carolina East Foundation Cancer Center Programs here : https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/carolina-east-foundation-cancer-center-programs/15547/