Richard J. Sweeney

Richard J. Sweeney, 82, of 646 Vermont Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Pinecrest Manor.

Dick was born January 22, 1942, in Johnsonburg, son of the late Thomas R. and Irene “Helen” Gurney Sweeney.  He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Johnsonburg High School, Class of 1960 and a veteran of the United States Army, where he was a sharp shooter.  In 1995, he graduated from IUP Culinary School, where he was affectionately known as the “Legend”.  He was a chef at Aiello’s Café, Bambino’s, and the Towne House.

On October 6, 1966, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dick married Christine J. Sorg.  They were blessed to share fifty-eight years of marriage.

In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by two sisters, Mary Ann Rettger and Irene “Tootie” Geyer; three nieces: Katie and Shelly Rettger and Becki Kopp; four nephews: Bernie, Henry, and Matt Rettger and Brian Geyer; his Godchildren, Karl Weidenboerner and Ann Weglin; and sister-in-law, Lynn Sorg.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, John Rettger and Jack Geyer.

He was an active and faithful member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church for fifty-eight years as well as a founding member of the St. Hubert’s Society.  Dick was an active member of Knights of Columbus 952 for sixty-four years, where he was a Fourth Degree Knight.  He was a member of the Local 947 Carpenters Union in Ridgway and a proud Republican for over 62 years.  Dick will be most remembered as a loving and kind man who was committed to making his community a better place.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 11:00AM with Rev. Ignatius Camello, O.S.B., celebrating.  Full military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 9:30AM until 10:30AM.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 315 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.