Thomas Sweeney

Thomas "Tom" Francis Sweeney, 91, formerly of Peru, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026, at the UVM Health Network–CVPH in Plattsburgh. His family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received at CVPH and at Pine Harbour Assisted Living.

He was born October 5, 1934, in Troy, New York, the son of Thomas Byron and Margaret Jane (Roach) Sweeney. He grew up in Lansingburgh, New York, and graduated from Lansingburgh High School in 1952. Tom served honorably in the United States Army, with service in Germany during the early Cold War.

On May 28, 1960, he married Thera "Terry" Anne Sisson of Easton, New York. Tom and Terry made their home in Peru, New York. Tom was steadfast in his Catholic faith and he and Terry were active parishioners of St. Augustine Catholic Church. They often spoke fondly of the many friendships formed and enjoyed in Peru and Plattsburgh.

Tom worked in the telecommunications field as a Switching Equipment Technician, primarily with the New York Telephone Company and its associated companies in Plattsburgh and Peru.

He was a member of the Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the Communications Workers of America.

Tom is best remembered as a builder, woodworker, carver, and artisan. He built sailboats that he raced and enjoyed on Adirondack lakes and supported his church and his children's schools through a wide range of construction projects, from gym equipment to stage props. Ever industrious, he studied home construction through correspondence courses and built the family home where he and his wife raised their children. He handcrafted furniture for his family, created wooden toys for his grandchildren, carved bowls and art pieces, and made many gifts for friends and loved ones. A quiet man, he expressed his care and love through his craftsmanship and artistry, generously shared with family and friends.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 65 years, Terry Sweeney of Plattsburgh; his children, Kathleen Mary Sweeney of Boston, Massachusetts; Susan Margaret (Andrew) Smith of Cranberry Lake, New York; Michael Joseph (Su Epstein) Sweeney of Middletown, Connecticut; David Thomas (Patricia) Sweeney of Jacksonville, Florida; and Timothy John (Joanna Bone) Sweeney of San Diego, California; six grandchildren, Logan Patnode (Stacia), Mackenzie Patnode (Morgan), Harris Smith, Jack Sweeney, Maggie Sweeney, and Eli Sweeney; his sister, Catherine Sweeney of Pacifica, California; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant son, Patrick Thomas Sweeney; his siblings, Jane Sweeney and Richard Sweeney; and his sister in law, Carol Sweeney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Augustine's Church in Peru, at a date and time to be announced. Inurnment will follow in the St. Augustine's Church Columbarium.

Donations in his memory may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church in Peru and Catholic Charities.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055.