Fr. Charles Sweeney

Charles Sweeney Obituary

SWEENEY Fr. Charles, S.J. For 37 years of service, Fr. Charles Sweeney, S.J. gave his all to the young men of St. John's Jesuit High School. The most faithful of people, Fr. Sweeney had a zeal for teaching and the discipline of chemistry which will long be remembered. His lifetime of service as a "man for others" is fondly recalled as we mourn his passing. Fr. Sweeney died March 8, 2009, at the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan. A wonderful teacher who brought science alive to decades of students, is, according to SJJ faculty members, "responsible for the careers of more doctors and engineers than any other teacher in the region." Fr. Sweeney was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, November 1, 1927. He entered the Society of Jesus on August 8, 1951, at Milford, Ohio, was ordained at Colombiere College on June 14, 1962, and professed final vows June 17, 1977, at St. John's Jesuit High School. A memorial Mass for staff and friends takes place Friday at 7:30 a.m. in the St. John Berchmans Chapel at SJJ. Another memorial will be held July 5 during the SJJ Reunion Weekend. Contributions in Fr. Sweeney's memory may be made to the Fr. Charles Sweeney, S.J. Scholarship Fund at St. John's Jesuit. Fr. Sweeney is survived by his sister-in-law, Lois Sweeney and nieces and nephews. St. John's Jesuit welcomes fond reflections on Fr. Sweeney's life from alumni and friends. Please email Mike Savona at [email protected]

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Published by The Blade on Mar. 12, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Sweeney

9 Entries

John Sweeney

March 15, 2009

Suffice to say, Father Sweeney left an indelible impression upon me and my fellow classmates. He taught us not just chemistry, but what it was to be a man. While it may have taken me a little longer than some to comprehend his teachings, his lessons were not lost. God bless him.

John Weaver

March 14, 2009

From the first day of Chemistry class, Fr. Sweeney became my role model for what "a man for others" meant. He inspired each one of us through both his words and actions. Cindy and I were blessed to have Father Sweeney travel to Chicago to perform our wedding Mass nearly 24 years ago. His guidance and that foundation have been key elements in the fundamental structure of our lives. I will be forever grateful for his presence in my life, and I know he lives on in all of our hearts. Fr. Sweeney -- you are a truly "a scholar and a gentleman".

Brian Dzyak

March 12, 2009

Class with Fr. Sweeney is part of my favorite memories of life at St. John's. The world needs more people like him.

Brian Dzyak, Class of '87
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
www.dzyak.com
www.whatireallywanttodo.com

Raymond Wohl

March 12, 2009

Dear Fellow SJJ Family,

Fr. Charlie Sweeney was a man for others. He was a steady rudder for many of us during our teen years at St. John's. Thank you Fr. Sweeney for everything. I am a teacher today, in part because of great teachers like you. Thank you for being interested in the students. Thank you for watching over us and encouraging us to succeed; I did a biology science project with Fr. Lotze (RIP) and yet, you Fr. Sweeney, still were interested in my project and my success. You cheered us on! You were understated, compassionate, and professional in every way. You loved being a priest and a life of service for others. We'll see you in heaven!

Michael Galeano

March 11, 2009

I am a Class of '82 graduate of St. John's and had the great pleasure and honor of being a student in Fr. Sweeney's Chemistry class my Sophomore year.

I am sure that when he made the decision to join the priesthood as his vocation and become a teacher as his profession, he hoped to positively affect the lives of others.

Mission accomplished Fr. Sweeney. Many who took his class left without a profound love of Chemistry, but no one left that class without a profound respect and admiration for him.

The desire we all had that he respect us and approve of our effort was unmistakeable. His patented statements: "Get to know that Man", or:"Let's all listen to what Mr. ___ is about to say, we can all benefit" were highly sought and greatly valued.

Thank you Fr. Sweeney.

Best wishes and condolences to your family. God bless you and may you enjoy the peace you've earned with the Lord you served so well for so long.

Brian Higgins

March 10, 2009

Fr. Sweeney was my favorite teacher at St. John's. It was hard not to notice his enthusiasm for Chemistry and for teaching. I was often entertained by him saying "Get to know that guy." after someone participated in class. I'll always be grateful for his interest in me as a student and as a person. My condolences to his family. Be assured that he will be missed and remembered.

Christopher Voss Class of 1970

March 10, 2009

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Jim Schaefer

March 10, 2009

I was so fortunate to have Fr. Sweeney as a teacher as were my brothers and sons. He was a great friend to my mother (who served as the school nurse) and a great golf partner of my step-father. He will be deeply missed. Truly, his whole life he served as a "man for others".

Fran Bruns

March 10, 2009

My sons are the men they are today because of Father Sweeney's influence inside and outside of the chem lab. He was the complete teacher. His excitement about learning was contagious. He certainly knew how to get and keep young guys attention. We will all miss him but his spirit will be with us forever.

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