Anthony Joseph Sweeney

Anthony (Tony) Sweeney will be deeply missed by his family-his loving wife, Bridie, Sweeney, sister Bridie Mulligan, son, Tony Sweeney, daughters Mary O’Leary, Bernadette Sweeney and Bridget Ruggiero, sons-in-law, Kevin O’Leary and Michael Ruggiero, daughter-in-law, Fran Sweeney, grandchildren, Kevin, Patrick, and Sean O’Leary, Caitlin and Anthony Ruggiero, and great-grandchildren Henry, Addie, and Calum O’Leary.

Tony was born in Ballycroy, County Mayo, Ireland.  He lived in a house by the sea with his parents, Mary and Anthony, and his brother, Patrick, and sisters, Maureen and Bridie. He spent many days of his youth at the shore, picking winkles and enjoying the beautiful views of Achill Hill and The wild Atlantic Ocean.

Tony left his home in Ireland, with his sister Bridie, in 1957 to come to New York. Tony worked hard at various jobs and he became a New York City bus driver in 1959.  Tony  met his loving wife Bridie in 1961 at Gaelic Park in The Bronx.  They celebrated 57 beautiful years of marriage together and made an amazing life in America. In fact, last May, Tony and Bridie celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary together at Gaelic Park, watching County Mayo play New York.

Tony loved spending time with his family.  He retired from the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority in 1990 and he certainly lived each day to the fullest.  Tony and his wife Bridie took care of all five of their grandchildren every day when the children were growing up and they loved every minute of it. Tony led by example and his children and grandchildren learned how to work hard and more importantly, how to be humble and kind.

Tony loved a good party and a pint of Guinness.. At parties, Tony was always in the center of  a circle, surrounded by friends and family, telling a story. He was the life of the party and he always brought a smile to the face of everyone who knew him. He was a strong man his entire life, truly one of a kind and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.