PORTLAND, Maine – John A. Sweeney, 90, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 18, 2018, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House following a brief illness. He was the youngest son of John A. and Eleonore T. Sweeney, born on March 13, 1928, in Fort Kent, Maine.
John graduated with honors in 1946 from Presque Isle High School, where he was the captain of the varsity baseball team. While in the Army, he served as an artillery leader in the 25th Field Division in Japan during WWII. He then enrolled in Bryant and Stratton Business College in Boston, MA, and graduated with an associate degree. He worked many years as an insurance underwriter, followed by over two decades as one of Maine’s principal bank examiners.
Throughout his life, John was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, and hiking with family and friends. One of his fondest memories was a fishing trip to Alaska at age 78 that was guided by one of his grandsons. For years he was a regular reader of The Barron’s and the Wall Street Journal, and loved books on history, WWII and aviation. John also enjoyed gardening, golfing, watching the Red Sox, and family card games. He was considered a cribbage ace among family and friends. But John’s greatest love was his caring wife of 67 years and their family. He cherished time spent with family and friends. Frequent gatherings were filled with love and laughter.
Survivors include his wife, Althea (Kenney) Sweeney of Portland; three children, Nancy of Salem, N.H., Greg and wife, Jennifer, of Amherst, NH, and Judy of Portland; three grandsons, five great-grandchildren; and special family friend ,Judy Rice. John is also survived by many extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents, three sisters and three brothers.
The family thanks the staff of Gosnell Memorial Hospice House and Maine Medical Center for their compassionate care during his final days.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. If desired, memorial donations may be made to: Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074. Memories and condolences may be shared at: www.funeralalternatives.net.
