1952 - 2021
OBITUARY
James "Jim" Gerard Sweeney passed away in Rhinebeck, NY on March 6th after a well-fought battle against illness attributed to his assignment to Ground Zero in 2001. He was 68 years old.
James was born on March 25, 1952 to Frederick and Alice Gilroy Sweeney in Manhattan, NY. On August 28, 1976, he married Noreen Di Marzio, the love of his life.
He joined the NYPD in 1974 and was furloughed in 1975 during New York City's fiscal crisis. He then began his gratifying career with the New York State Police, attaining the rank of Zone Sergeant. One of his proudest achievements on the job was lobbying the NY State Senate and Governor Pataki to rename two overpasses in memoriam to two of his fallen colleagues. He was a proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Fraternal Order of Police, the International Police Association and the Knights of Columbus.
His wife, Noreen, was by his side since their blind date in 1975 and throughout their loving 44 years of marriage. Noreen was the foundation of his initial care and recovery since his first bout with illness in 2016. Jim thrived in the years since—hunting, fishing, traveling, biking, visiting his grandchildren, motorcycling, and traveling both domestically and internationally to visit family and friends. These fulfilling and memorable 5 extra years are a direct result of Noreen's tenacity and dedication to his healthcare and wellbeing. His children, wider family, friends and community are forever indebted to Noreen for making these memories possible.
Jim and Noreen lovingly raised their four children in Wappingers Falls, NY. Dad will be dearly missed by his children and grandchildren:
His firstborn, Elizabeth, and her partner Peter, of Hawaii. Liz enjoyed fishing in NY and hiking in Hawaii with Dad. They got around so much, she frequently remembers him saying, "We're going where no Sweeney has gone before!"
His son, Kevin, and his wife Tarryn of London, UK. Dad and Kevin enjoyed traveling and daily morning coffee. Dad would take him to his 'super super secret' spots to enjoy the sunrise. Jim's youngest grandchild, Eli James, was born on February 26th.
His daughter, Katie Colbert, her husband Joe, and their two children, Patrick James and Johanna, of Maryland. Jim cherished visiting the farm animals with Patrick and Johanna. Patrick loves fishing and learned all he knows about it from Grandpa.
His youngest daughter, Shannan, and her husband Bryan, of North Carolina. Shannan and her father customarily spent quiet time together doing outdoor activities when he was not at one of her sporting events cheering her on. He taught his children to be self-sufficient and to act with a lot of integrity. Jimmy would often say, "Actions speak louder than words."
James will also be deeply missed by his ten siblings: Billy, Brother Tom, Joseph, Bobby, Kathy, John, Sister Nora, Patricia, Mary and Michael, their spouses and loved ones, his numerous nieces and nephews, and the rest of his large extended family. His absence will be felt year-round, but especially during the family's regular large gatherings which will be bereft of his stories, jokes and warm presence.
Due to current restrictions, Jim's memorial service will be held at 11am on October 9th at St. Mary's Church, Wappingers Falls, NY. At Jim's request, it will be followed by a joyous celebration of his life. No tears allowed!
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Delehanty Funeral Home, Wappingers Falls, NY.
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