Obituary: John Michael Sweeney - Class of 1963

MADISON - John Michael Sweeney, age 70, passed away Wednesday morning, Aug. 13, 2014, at the VA Hospital. John was the first born to John and Marion Sweeney on March 15, 1944. He graduated from Madison Central High, class of 1963, and then Madison Fire Department, class of 1969. John served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1968 during the Vietnam War, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. He retired after 27 years of service with the Madison Fire Department. John enjoyed exploring/traveling all the corners of the United States during the cold Wisconsin winters and camping with his family in the summers in his motorhome. He also loved bargain hunting, garage sales, boating, fishing, and was a green fisted gardener. John was a man that could only be described by the way he lived. John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sandra (Stassi); son, Jeff (Teresa); daughter, Michelle (Brian) Metcalf; grandchildren, Caila, Cory, Kiera, Keegan, and Courtney; sister, Mary; brother, Tom; and many other relatives. A "celebration of life" memorial service will be held at the VFW POST 1318, 133 E. Lakeside St., Madison, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014. Fire Department and Military Honors will take place at the VFW at 3 p.m. on Sunday. A special thanks to the staff of VA Hospice and Agrace HospiceCare for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations to VA Hospice, 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI 53705, or Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711, would be appreciated. We will remember and love you forever.

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 17, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)