William John Sweeney, best known by his family and friends simply as “Sweeney”, age 76, of Marysville, died on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at home surrounded by his loved ones following a lengthy battle with cancer. Accolades must be given to Judge Judy for helping him through his pain.
On September 15, 1946, Sweeney was born in Rochester, New York, the oldest of three children of the late William John and Jean C. (Ayres) Sweeney. Following high school, he furthered his education at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
While at RIT, Sweeney was drafted to serve his beloved country in the U.S. Army. He was a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a gunner aiding the efforts of the front lines on the outskirts of Vietnam in the forests of Cambodia.
Upon his honorable discharge, Sweeney returned home to Rochester, where he bartended at Logan’s and lived in the HOBO (if you know, you know). Soon after, he returned to RIT to finish his bachelor’s degree in business. For a significant part of his career, he worked as a salesman for 3M, traveling far and wide selling the products that hold the world together. At the suggestion of the Gaffneys, the Neals and the Birdsels, Sweeney moved to Columbus, Ohio.
In 1998, at the infamous Golf and Gulp party thrown by their mutual friends, Sweeney met his future bride, Leah “Robin” (Jones) Leonard. From there, the rest is history. They were married six years later, on April Fool’s Day, April 1, 2004, and shared exactly 19 years of marriage.
In addition to working as a salesman, Sweeney worked as a bartender for different catering gigs through Kroger and the Brown Jug. One of his favorite gigs was bartending at the Pontifical College Josephinum where he would joke “I’m working for God this weekend”.
For Sweeney, sports were always a big part of his life. Sweeney excelled at all sports, especially hockey, and was a finalist to make the Olympic Hockey team when it was filled by college athletes. He also coached youth hockey. He loved to golf and ski, taking countless memorable golf and ski trips with his friends. He also loved to play racquetball. When he wasn’t playing sports, he was watching his favorite sports teams: the Columbus Blue Jackets, Cincinnati Reds, Buffalo Bills and Columbus Clippers (Yankees).
Proud of his Irish heritage, Sweeney took four unforgettable trips to Ireland over the years.
Sweeney was always the life of the party. He had a jovial, outspoken and ornery personality, mixed with a funny sense of humor that made everyone love him. He was one of the most generous people you could ever meet, always encouraging everyone to appreciate great service and tipping accordingly. He would also do anything for anyone, literally giving the shirt off his back on several occasions.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Robin Sweeney of Marysville; two children: Robert Leonard (Holly & Kenyan) of Raymond, and Jonathan Leonard of Columbus; a sister, Susan (Robert) Iuppa of Rocky Mountain, Virginia; nieces: Kate and Andrea; great nieces: Amanda, Payton and Haley; and countless dear friends.
Including his parents, Sweeney was preceded in death by his younger brother, Patrick Sweeney and his beloved companion, Larry the dog.
His family will greet friends from 2 – 4 pm on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at the Ingram Funeral Home, 975 N. Maple St., Marysville. Services honoring his life and fun character will follow there at 4 pm, led by his friends. Come prepared with your best Sweeney stories. Military honors will be provided by the Union County United Veterans Council. Burial will take place at a later date in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, New York. Everyone is encouraged to wear a Hawaiian shirt in honor of Sweeney.
On behalf of his family and friends, they would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to all of the wonderful people at Vitas Hospice for their tender care of Sweeney in his final weeks and days.
Memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice and they may be sent to the funeral home.
Ingram Funeral Home is honored to serve Sweeney’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.IngramFuneralService.com.
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