JOHN SWEENEY

1934 - 2021

SWEENEY--John J. Beloved family man, John J. Sweeney, who led an era of transformative change over nearly 60 years in America's labor movement, passed away on February 1, 2021, at his home in Bethesda, MD. Born May 5, 1934, in Bronx, NY, to Irish immigrants, James and Agnes Sweeney, John was taught the values of family, church and union, all of which became lifelong beacons. John graduated Iona College in 1956, became president of Local 32BJ in New York in 1976, and president of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in 1980. In 1995, John became only the fourth president of the AFL-CIO and retired in 2009. He was a true champion for working families. In 2011, John was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. John is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Maureen; children, John and Patricia (Travis Jones); granddaughter, Kennedy; sisters, Cathy Hammill and Peggy King (Ted); and many other family members. John was predeceased by his brother, James Sweeney. There will be a private Mass of Christian Burial. Memorial donations may be made to "John J. Sweeney Scholarship Fund" at Iona College, ionaconnection.com/ give, or by mail: Iona College, Joyce House, 715 North Ave., New Rochelle, NY 10801.