Obituary of Dennis P. Sweeney

Dennis Sweeney, 76, born 9/1/47, passed away on 4/3/24 at Pine Acres Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Madison, NJ after a recent respiratory illness. He previously resided at Spring Hills Assisted Living in Morristown, NJ and Morris View Healthcare Center in Morris Plains, NJ.  

Dennis’ parents were Vincent and Virginia (nee Piaia) Sweeney.  He was pre-deceased by his younger brother Michael in 2008. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Jeanette (nee Siciliano) McLaughlin–Sweeney of Morristown, NJ and her children, Christopher McLaughlin and Elizabeth (‘Betsy’) of Point Pleasant Boro, NJ and Darren McLaughlin of Tiverton, RI.  Dennis left behind a nephew, Vincent Sweeney, three nieces - Michaele Unitis, Susan Callahan, and Jessie Sweeney, and 4 step-grandchildren, Liz, Kyle, Chase, and Saylor. 

Born in Coaldale, PA, Dennis grew up in the Seek section of town and attended Panther Valley High School before being drawn in the mid-1960’s to join the Civil Rights Movement. He traveled through several states in the deep South where he volunteered as a cooperative organizer.  He then relocated to New York City and worked at the Bellevue Hospital gift shop, the NY Penta Hotel, the Sheraton City Squire Hotel, and lastly as a plush goods salesman at F.A.O. Schwarz before his retirement in 2010.

During their marriage, Mr. & Mrs. Sweeney lived in New York City before moving to Yonkers, NY and then Morristown, NJ.  Dennis was a devout Catholic and in 2010 both he and Mrs. Sweeney were invested as Associates in the Sisters of Mercy. He spent many early mornings volunteering at the Breadline of St. Francis of Assisi Church in NYC. They were parishioners at Holy Family Church in Manhattan, St. Joseph’s Church in Greenwich Village, Church of the Assumption in Morristown, NJ, and Saint Margaret of Scotland Church in Morristown, NJ.

Generous in spirit and kindness, Dennis would literally give the shirt off his back to those in need without regard to himself.  He was proud of his family’s Irish heritage hailing from County Galway, and readily made friends wherever he went. He had a fond liking of movies, music from the 50’s & 60’s, current events including NY professional sports teams, and had a love of food including anything chocolate.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Saturday, May 18, 2024 for a 1pm Funeral Mass to be held at Saint Margaret of Scotland Church, 6 Sussex Avenue in Morristown, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Mary's Hands - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson - Clifton, New Jersey (ccpaterson.org) in his memory.