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John Sweeney Obituary
Born in Boston, MA, he was the son of the late Mary (Bradley) and Francis Sweeney. He was an Emmy award winning journalist who lived and worked all over the world including RI as the Anchor and News Director for WJAR (1970-1981) and WLNE, in Egypt as the Middle East Bureau Chief for CNN, as well as in Saudi Arabia, Bosnia, and England.
He is survived by a wife, Jane Sweeney, 3 daughters, Kathleen Levett, Kerry Fournier, and Michelle Hanenian; 8 grandchildren. Funeral services will be private.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Sweeney
Ronnie Oakes
December 12, 2024
So sorry for your loss, i owned a business in Providence, he´d stop in after 11 news, good friend, great guy
ELIZABETH GASSETT
September 22, 2008
I met John on a train in 1960 when he was was travelling to Oakland, CA. on his way to Korea. We kept in touch for 5 or 6 years and then lost touch with each other. A few years ago we renewed our friendship down here in Florida and kept in touch up until he was hospitalized last month. My thoughts and prayers go to his children and grandchildren...who he loved so much...and also to his friend Phil Reilly..who lost a dear friend..I will miss him very much...
Christine (Boudreau) Hebert
September 15, 2008
Kathy, You & I worked together at Bess Eaton (Coventry, RI) many years ago. I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I will keep the entire Sweeney family in my prayers. God bless. Christine
Larry Walsh
September 14, 2008
Dear Jane,
I worked with John at Channel 12 while I was attending Providence College. John took me under his wing and guided me in understanding the television business. He was a great help to me and I will miss him.
I will pray for him at Mass.
Please accept my sympathy during this difficult time.
gail alwyd
September 13, 2008
sad to see john has passed away. he was a real journalist. after all these years i still remember several of the stories he featured. john and even though you didnt know him he was john, gave us unbiased news.i saw many stories covered but never a foolish question never a silly ego driven comment. john sweeney won awards but he had the respect of those of us who watched him every night we missed him when he left and we will miss him now that he is gone. deepest sympathies from just a rhode islander
Linda Bottega
September 13, 2008
I worked with John at WJAR for five years and found him to be a warm and delightful man and a consumate professional. I offer my deepest sympathy to his family and will keep him and all of you in my prayers.
Linda Bottega
89.3 KPCC Southern Ca Public Radio
Steve MIcke
September 13, 2008
I had the honor of meeting John through my grandmother while he was at channel 10. He was a wonderful, kind gentle and loving human being. He will be missed by all of us who knew him and by those who worked with him, but mostly by those closest to him, his family. My heart and prayers go out to Jane, Kathleen, Kerry, and Michelle. I hope you find comfort in your memories of John.
Sean Bresnahan
September 13, 2008
Growing up in Rhode Island John Sweeney was a TV news mainstay in my family. One of a dependable few that we turned to for expert coverage and updates of local goings on. I am so very sad to hear of his passing.
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