Edwin “Ted” Dean Sweeney, age 89, passed away peacefully with family by his side on February 14, 2023. He was born in Buffalo, New York on October 15, 1933. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Helene Sweeney; his brother, Walter Sweeney; and sister, Anne Sweeney Roberts. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ruth Ann Sweeney; his three children, Michael (Vonda) Sweeney, Patrick Sweeney, and Molly (Greg) Price; and his grandchildren, Lauren (Kyle) Smith, Michael Sweeney, Parry Price, and Hayden Price. Ted is also survived by his dear cousin, Pat Voak Marchese; his nieces, Megan (Chuck) Blood and Erin Sweeney (Jason Lambert); and nephew, Kevin Sweeney.
Ted graduated in the class of 1951 at Kenmore West High School in Buffalo, New York. He continued his education at Bowling Green University in Bowling Green, Ohio, where he graduated with a BA in Political Science in 1956. During his time there, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and served in ROTC. Starting in 1955, he served as an officer in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge in 1964.
Following college, he accepted a job and moved to Zanesville, Ohio. It was there he met the love of his life, Ruth Ann Gregg. They married in 1958 and welcomed their first son, Michael Gregg Sweeney. In 1961, they moved to Columbus and their second son, John Patrick “Pat” Sweeney, was born. Once again, following a move to Cincinnati in 1966, they welcomed their daughter, Mary Katherine “Molly” Sweeney, and their family was complete. They moved to Reston, Virginia in 1970 and a few years later to Loudon County, Virginia. Many cherished memories were made there while living near his brother, Walter, and his wife and children. In 1976, he moved his family to Upper Arlington, Ohio where they lived for 15 years on Pinebrook Road surrounded by wonderful neighbors and many dear friends. After a brief move to Virginia Beach, Virginia, Ted and Ruth moved back to Ohio where he resided for 30 years at his home in Muirfield Village.
He never missed a game or performance by his children. Whether it was Mike and Pat’s rock band performing at the Ohio State Fair and around the Columbus area or Molly’s many softball and basketball games or dance recitals, he was always there with his special clap to cheer them on. He was so proud to help his children earn their college degrees and watch them go on to pursue their own dreams. He felt this was his greatest gift to his children.
Ted was a faithful parishioner of St. Andrew Church in Upper Arlington, Ohio for 15 years and St. Brigid of Kildare for 30 years. He served on the Building Committee for St. Brigid of Kildare School and was a member of their 55 and Up Club. Ted was also a member of the Columbus Athletic Club, Brookside Country Club, and The Country Club at Muirfield Village.
After retiring, Ted enjoyed walking the trails by his home, swimming laps at the Dublin Recreational Center, and playing golf at The Country Club at Muirfield Village. He was a member of the Ohio State University Presidents Club and loved cheering on the Buckeyes. However, his greatest joy in retirement was his travels. He loved his annual trips to visit his brother, Walter, who resided in County Donegal, Ireland. There, they made many friends and enjoyed “a wee bit of the craic,” an Irish saying for fun. He also enjoyed trips to Siesta Key, Florida; Cary, North Carolina; and Virginia Beach, Virginia to visit his children and grandchildren. Forever a student, he fulfilled his dream to travel around the world on an Oceana Cruise with his son, Pat, stopping at port cities including Istanbul, Port Said (Cairo) Luxor, Oman, Dubai, Mumbai, Cochin, Phuket, and Singapore. As he would say, it was a trip of a lifetime.
Ted also loved to attend his grandchildren’s events. He enjoyed listening to Lauren’s beautiful singing voice at church or school, watching Michael’s high school golf matches and tournaments, and attending Parry and Hayden’s many dance recitals and musical performances. They were his pride and joy!
Ted was an avid reader who loved politics and studying World War II. He loved to fish, duck hunt, and go sailing with his buddies. He had a fun-loving side too with a wonderful sense of humor. He was a great dancer and loved Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, and the Beach Boys. He loved playing Euchre with his dear friends and grandchildren. Truly, what Ted loved most of all was simply enjoying the company of his family and his many close friends.
His laughter, his humor, and his wealth of knowledge about life, history, and politics will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
“Oh, really??”
Yes, really, Dad, we will miss you!!
Cue “Fly Me to The Moon” and let’s get dancing!
Family will receive friends at ST. BRIGID OF KILDARE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7179 Avery Road, Dublin, OH 43017 on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023 from 10:00-11:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am and burial at Resurrection Cemetery at 1:00 pm. Monsignor Joseph M. Hendricks, Celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Brigid of Kildare School Endowment Fund, PO Box 3130, Dublin, OH 43016 in Ted’s memory.
The Tidd Funeral Home, Dublin-Plain City Chapel, 9720 SR 161, Plain City, OH 43064 (614)-733-0080, assisted the family. Please visit www.tiddfuneralhomes.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the Sweeney Family. Ted’s family would like to thank the staff of Glenwood Memory Care for their kind and compassionate care of Ted.
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)
St. Brigid of Kildare Church
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
St. Brigid of Kildare Church
Monsignor Joseph M. Hendricks, Celebrant. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center, OH.
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