Obituary of Joseph Sweeney

Joseph Herman Sweeney August 9, 1938 to March 20, 2015 Passed away after a brief illness at Mackenzie Health in Richmond Hill, surrounded by his sons and daughter-in-law. Born in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and growing up in New Victoria, he was the second son of John Earl Sweeney and Margaret Sweeney (nee Hines), he is predeceased by both parents as well as his brothers, Michael (Bic), Earl and his sister Anne Stevenson. Joe followed in his father's footsteps, working in the coal mines until the age of 17, when he decided to move to Toronto in search of a better life. At the age of 19, after finding a good Job at G.E., Joe met and married the love of his life, Jeannine Leblanc. They were devoted to each other for 48 wonderful years, until her passing in 2007. While working with several companies over the years, Joe became part of the new frontier of computers. He was always learning as much as he could and participating in the development of modern technology. At the same time, his family was growing. He welcomed his first son, Ron, in 1961 and second son, John in 1966. His family always took precedent for him, and they lived a tremendously happy life, vacationing frequently and enjoying many wonderful experiences together. The arrival of his grandchildren brought an entire new dimension to his life. He intently listened to all they had to talk about, supported them in everything they did, and was extremely proud of each of them. Joe and his family moved around often over the years and called many cities in Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, home. He most recently lived at Stouffville Creek Retirement Home, after retiring a few years ago from IT at the company Brains II. Everyone that Joe came into contact within life loved him. He had a way of lighting a room with a smile and making people feel at ease immediately. He had many friends across the country, and the friendships he formed, lasted a lifetime. He treated people with the utmost respect and hoped that he would receive that same respect in return. The world is truly a better place having had him here with us, even if only for a short time. Joe is survived by his heartbroken immediate family, his sons Ron (Andrea) and John (Lois), and his 5 grandchildren, Kimberly, Katie, Alanna, Michael and Christopher. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Colin Mears, Grant Stevenson, Peter (Elaine) Leblanc, sisters-in-laws Irene Poirier, Rose Doucet, Marie Leblanc (Paul), Angie Richard (Ernest), and May Mencke (George). Predeceased by sisters-in-law Theresa Leblanc, Bella Leblanc, Hattie Richard and brothers-in-law Bennie Richard, Jerry Doucet & Leon Poirier. Joe will also be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the DIXON-GARLAND FUNERAL HOME, 166 Main Street North (Markham Road), Markham, on Sunday, April 12, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Memorial Mass to take place at St. Patrick's Parish, 5633 Highway #7, Markham on Monday at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mackenzie Health Centre, Dialysis Unit would be appreciated. "He had a nature you could not help loving, And a heart that was purer than gold, And to those who knew him and loved him His memory will never grow cold."