Joseph Branham Sweeney

1932 - 2021

Joseph Branham Sweeney, loved by so many, peacefully passed away January 18, 2021. He was 88. Joe was born at Queen of Angels Hospital on August 16, 1932 to Stender and Josephine Sweeney of Pasadena. He is survived by siblings: Patricia (Bedford), Martha (Schnieders), Stender and Carol (Spieker). Joe attended Pasadena schools as a child. Following his high school graduation in 1950 he attended Menlo Business School and then Loyola University in Los Angeles. Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed in the Philippines and served in the security service as a radio intercept officer. Throughout his life he amused and prided himself on well remembering the "dits and dots" of Morse Code. Following his active military service, Joe married the great love of his life, Margaret (Peggy) Ryan of Altadena, CA. The couple were engaged while Joe was overseas and they married upon his return. Joe and Peggy made their home in Sierra Madre, CA. Joe's early business career began with Mobil Oil Company and Gulf Oil Company. For 25 years, until his retirement in 1997, Joe was employed by the Robert Bosch Corporation in their Automotive Division. Joe celebrated many joys during his well-lived life. A former president of the Sierra Madre Baseball Association and a grand fan of USC Football, he loved his sports. He could often be found in his garage inventing a fix for ever-present household repairs. His other loves included: Christmas for sure, a great scotch, a good dog and many, many laughs. He and Peggy traveled the world but found more love, joy and peace at their second home; a little cabin in Twin Peaks, CA. Joe's greatest passion was family; Peggy and their four children. No greater time did he have than when family was gathered around the dining room table. Countless hours were spent reveling at Sunday dinners, birthdays, special holidays and, of course, the PFVCC Awards Dinners (it's a family thing!) Such fun, happy times with rooms full of laughter. Joe will be deeply and lovingly missed by all who were blessed to have known his generosity, kindness and affection. Joe leaves behind his loving wife of 64 years, Peggy, his four children: Kevin (Kathryn), Stephen (Karen), Peggy (Mark) and Brian (Jennifer) as well as 13 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a ninth on the way. Due to social distancing requirements, a private service will be held Sierra Madre's Pioneer Cemetery.