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Dennis Sweeney Obituary
Dennis Sweeney, 74, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2016 at his home on Seneca Lake, NY. Family, Friends, and Fellow Fire Fighters are welcome to attend a celebration of Dennis' life on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at Belhurst Castle in 4069 W Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456 from 1:00-5:00 pm, with a ceremonial tribute beginning at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Retired Professional Fire Fighter's Cancer Fund, 4 Loretta Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905. Dennis was born March 10, 1942 in Elmira, NY, to Clarence and Madeline (Meade) Sweeney. He graduated from Elmira Southside High School in 1961. He earned an associate's degree in Business Administration and Fire Technology from Corning Community College, a bachelor's degree in History from Elmira College and a master's in Education from Elmira College. Dennis joined the Elmira Fire Department in 1968. He spent 36 years at the department before his retirement in 2004. For the past 16 years he was the New York State Professional Fire Fighter Association's Health and Safety Coordinator. He served on the Elmira Fire Department's Labor/Management Committee, was the Employee Assistance Program representative, held an appointment to the Chemung County Local Emergency Planning Committee, served as the International Association of Fire Fighter's health and safety representative for New York and New Jersey, and was coordinator of the Fire Protection Technology Program at Corning Community College. Dennis held several positions with the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association including Vice President of the Fourth District, Health & Safety Committee member, and his most recent position of Health & Safety Coordinator. He loved travel and socializing with countless friends and relatives, especially with his loving wife Bonnie by his side. There were always many laughs and memorable stories when Denny was in the room. He was known for his quick-witted teasing of others and continual humorous antics. Throughout his life, he was an avid reader, music enthusiast, and enjoyed playing, coaching, and watching sports. Dennis is survived by his wife of 52 years, Bonnie; 3 sons, Brian (Priscilla) Sweeney; Michael (Tara) Sweeney; and John (Nicole) Sweeney; 4 grandchildren, Ryan Sweeney, Erin Sweeney, Nina Huang, and Lauren Huang; 3 brothers, Martin, Timothy, and Paul (Maureen) Sweeney; 2 sisters, Michaeline Sweeney and Kathy (Brian) Meck and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many caring friends. Arrangements were entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home 36 Water St. Dundee, NY. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Sweeney
Sponsored by The Star-Gazette.
Joe Miele
May 20, 2016
Bonnie & Family, we are truly sorry for your loss and offer our deepest sympathies. Always remember the wonderful times you & Denny shared through the years. Take comfort knowing he is now with our Lord.
Joseph & Brenda Miele
Patricia Dagostino
May 19, 2016
It's been 12 yrs since I've seen you and I still can remember everything about you. Such a kind heart and you will be missed very much. Bonnie you are in my heart.
Ken and Marlene Douglas
May 15, 2016
Bonnie and family.... We were so sorry to hear of Dennys passing away. It was always a pleasure to chat with Denny and you at the Seneca Lake functions or just on our walks. He was such a good man. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ken and Marlene Douglas
Cape Coral, Florida
Geno Ottaviani
May 15, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Alice Philbin, Donald Kanes
May 14, 2016
Our deepest sympathies for the Sweeney family at this difficult and sad time.
May 13, 2016
Bonnie and family and the Sweeney brothers and sisters, I am so sorry about Denny. Truly one of the nicest guys and so funny. The last time I was at Belhurst Castle was with Bonnie and Denny for Eloise's birthday. How much fun and so many laughs. Rest in peace friend. Bonnie hold your wonderful memories close to your heart. God Bless you all.
Pam Fitzpatrick
Susan Szewczyk-Black
May 13, 2016
You were neighbors of my grandmother, Laura Black, on Sycamore Circle years ago. She always spoke so highly of what great neighbors you were. May your memories replace your present sorrow. In my thoughts~
Diane Dunn
May 12, 2016
Bonnie and family I am so sorry to hear of your loss, my heart goes out to you. Denny was a wonderful man and loved by many. It was a pleasure to have known him. RIP Denny and maybe you and Greg can talk some more about health insurance!
James Ennis
May 12, 2016
To the Family and Friends of Dennis Sweeney:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Dennis was truly one of a special kind and I feel so fortunate to have known him and called him my friend. I pray that you find peace in knowing that he is no longer suffering.
My most sincere and heartfelt sympathy to all of you during this most difficult time. May happier memories help to sustain you and bring you comfort through this period of sorrow.
Regrettably, I will be unable to attend the Celebration of Life, however, I have posted some photos of Dennis and Bonnie from our trip to Ireland in August of 2001.
With Love and Prayers,
Jim Ennis
Syracuse Fire Dept. (Retired)
Dennis & Bonnie in Ireland (Aug. 2001)
James Ennis
May 12, 2016
Dennis & Bonnie in Ireland (Aug. 2001)
James Ennis
May 12, 2016
Dennis & Bonnie in Ireland (Aug. 2001)
James Ennis
May 12, 2016
Dennis & Bonnie in Ireland (Aug. 2001)
James Ennis
May 12, 2016
King Dennis & Queen Bonnie and their Court at Bunratty Castle in Ireland (Aug. 2001)
James Ennis
May 12, 2016
King Dennis & Queen Bonnie at Bunratty Castle in Ireland (Aug. 2001)
James Ennis
May 12, 2016
Dennis & Bonnie at Bunratty Castle in Ireland (Aug. 2001)
James Ennis
May 12, 2016
King Dennis & Queen Bonnie at Bunratty Castle in Ireland (Aug. 2001)
James Ennis
May 12, 2016
Dennis & Bonnie at Bunratty Castle in Ireland (Aug. 2001)
James Ennis
May 12, 2016
May 9, 2016
Marty,Timmy and Paul and the rest of the Sweeney clan sorry for your lost
"Death leaves a heartache
no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory no
one can steal"
The Donahoe's
Paul Titus
May 9, 2016
Sweeney family, God Bless Dennis and his family. Even though I didn't know Dennis very well, he certainly had the "Sweeney gift,"...humor. May he RIP.
Judy Merrill (McElligott)
May 9, 2016
Bonnie and family,
Sincere condolences on your loss. Denny was such a nice guy and will be truly missed.
May 8, 2016
Paul, Mary and I are very sorry for your lost!
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark Fleisher
May 8, 2016
Condolences to the Sweeney family.
John Comereski
May 8, 2016
Paul and the entire Sweeney Family: I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I'm certain that you have fond memories that will hopefully help you get through this tough time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Michael & Sharon Keefe
May 8, 2016
Bonnie, Tim and Paul, along with the rest of Dennys family. So sorry to read about Denny passing. When he Bonnie came out here to Las Vegas, we had a wonderful time visiting. As with all the Sweeney family, he was a wonderful human being, and a pleasure to be around. I am so sorry we will not to be there for his final beautiful life. Rest in Peace Denny.
Sharon and Mike Keefe
regina golden
May 8, 2016
what a wonderful gentlemen alot of memory from our youth my prayers are with you in this sad time
Joe and Barb Beckwith
May 8, 2016
We are so very sorry to hear about Denny. We both "grew up" with the Sweeney family and have many wonderful memories. All our love ad prayers go out to all of you.
May 8, 2016
Bonnie & Family,
I am so sad to hear about Denny's passing. I found out about his illness from my neighbor and his fellow firefighter Joe Todd. Denny was such a nice guy and was so much fun to be around. I can remember all the laughs and fun we had in school and when ever he was in my company. He was always joking around. He will be missed by so many . I want you to know you all are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Maxine Condon
Tammy Stone Lipscomb
May 8, 2016
Sorry about the loss of your brother, Paul. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray God's loving Holy Spirit will comfort and soothe you during this very sad time.
David Kole
May 8, 2016
Bonnie and family our prayers are with you and your family. Denny as you already know was a joy to be around. I cherish all the time he and I worked together at Flickengers Cash -n- Carry. He helped me along the way as I became a police officer with his great knowledge of civil service and union issues. I always got a kick out of him teasing my dad about politics and then he would just give you that smiling grin. Thanks for all that you did.
Chris Duvall
May 8, 2016
Paul and Tim, I am so incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Denny. You and the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joan & Jim Gensel
May 7, 2016
Bonnie & family, Thinking of you during this difficult time.
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