John M. Sweeney
April 23, 1963 ~ September 1, 2013
John M. Sweeney, born April 23, 1963 of Vienna, Va., beloved husband of Stacey Fairbairn Sweeney; proud father to his sons, Ian and Connor, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2013 at Fairfax Hospital. John was a graduate of Syracuse University, class of 1989. He had a passion and lasting empathy for the loved ones of the 1988 Pan Am 103 tragedy, having shared time in Europe with classmates on that flight. He continued to honor them with his work through the Syracuse University Pan Am 103 Remembrance Committee. As his friends and family would attest, he was a natural cook, and had the exacting but easy way about the kitchen you would expect of a professional chef, with results to match. As a member of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, John did mission work to rebuild houses for victims of Hurricane Katrina. If you talked to John for any length of time you came to know that he had a deep love and patriotism for his country, its history, challenges and victories. He was an accomplished golfer who loved to be on the course, whether with his equally low handicapped buddies or with visiting family. He particularly loved to golf with his sons, coach and play lacrosse, and watch them proudly from the sidelines of the football field in his position on the chain gang. Johns favorite family vacation spots were just about anywhere where he could be close to the water, but most especially his home away from home in St. Maarten and his families home in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. It is often said, "Where your treasure is, there also is your heart" -- and the reflection of John's treasure is that his heart was always with his family above all else. John was the son of the late Leo and Beatrice Sweeney; brother of Paula Gleysteen and her husband Nicholas Gleysteen. Also survived by mother-in-law Gail Fairbairn, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws, Stephen and Laura Thomas, Robert and Dori Fairbairn, John and Lisa Olszewski, Ellen Arnold and eighteen nieces and nephews he loved and adored as his own children. The family will receive friends at The Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Rd., NE, Vienna, Va on Thursday, September 5th from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 6th at 2 PM at the church. Interment will follow at Andrew Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to either of the two organizations he felt passionately about: National Geographic Society (www.nationalgeographic.org/donate or National Geographic Society, Development Office, 1145 17th St., NW Washington, DC or Syracuse University Remembrance Scholarship Endowment Fund (Syracuse University, Office of Development, 820 Comstock Ave., Syracuse, NY 13244 or
http://secure.syr.edu/giving/
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
http://secure.syr.edu/giving/
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Stacey, we are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. You and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers.
I was shocked and saddened to hear about John’s passing. He will be greatly missed by all those that were lucky enough to meet him. The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of John’s untimely passing. I was fortunate to work with him at The Hartford for several years. His laugh and his beautiful hair lit up the place. He will be missed. God bless your family.
We at Syracuse University mourn with you and your family. We share your loss and hope that you are surrounded in love and peace at such a difficult time. Tiffany Steinwert Dean of Hendricks Chapel Syracuse University
Stacey, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the children. John was a great man and he will be missed. Please find comfort in your wonderful memories.
Stacey and Family John and I met while he was an underwriter at Hartford and he and I did alot of business together and came to become friends during our numerour dealings. John was always very personable, professional and quick witted, we oftened laughed or created a scene. i could tell he was a terrific family man and spoke proudly of things going with the boys. I was extremely saddened to learn of this news from Scott Holbrook and I had just seen John at a AIG function in July and we caught up with each other. My sincere sympathy go out to you and your boys, please hold those cherished memories of John in your heart to help with the healing. Respectfuilly Ed Amos
Stacey, Ian and Connor, John was a very special friend to all of us here at Rutherfoord. We all are grieving with you. John was our colleague @ Rutherfoord, but as is often the case, he was much more than that to us. From the moment he joined our firm on March 17, 2008 after a very successful career as an senior underwriter, we knew he would be one of us. Blessed with a keen wit, a broad understanding of the technical side of our business, John was also able to write and talk about complex subject matter & make it understandable. Well known amongst us as a professional practical joker, John took his work seriously, but without taking himself too seriously. He was that rare combination of professionalism combined with a passion to compete. As part of our team, he participated in the process fully, he celebrated the wins with gusto, and took the losses as hard as anyone. He had our backs, and we had his. Trust we will keep his legacy alive.
I remember John’s cooking so well and his home-brewed chocolate malt beer. I also remember he kept a little remembrance on his Aetna desk for the Pan Am flight victims. Stacey, I am so sorry you lost John! He died too young. You and your boys will be in our prayers. Marcia and Lane
I cannot express how much I will miss John’s vast knowledge and wonderfully fun personality here at Rutherfoord. He was a mentor and a friend, always willing to share his experience, and he loved to laugh and joke. Heaven will be brighter with him there.
Oh John, We shall miss you so much. Blessings and love to Sracey, Ian and Connor. Peace be with you all, Liz and Dick
We were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I worked with John at The Hartford. You and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers.
We were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I worked with John at The Hartford. You and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers.
John, Our time together was far too brief. Despite having never tasted your cooking, I’m grateful for having known you. Thank you for coming into my life and allowing me to be a part of yours. Save a chair for me at the nineteenth hole.
Stacey, All of us from London will forever be tied together with the unbreakable special memories we have of one another. I think about that semester and the people with whom I spent some amazing times. I cannot help feel that there is now another missing part of our collective Pan Am 103 legacy. My hopes and prayers go out to you and your sons. Ben
“Some of it’s magic, some it’s tragic, but I’ve had a good life all the way.” John was a devoted and loving husband and father. I am fortunate to have known him as a friend. He will be missed by many.
Working with John at The Harford was always entertaining. He had an intellect and a wit that I truly enjoyed. He will always be part of The Hartford family that I cherish. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.
Stacey, my deepest condolences for your loss. I have been praying for you all week and will continue to pray for you and your beautiful family. Peace, Peace, Peace be unto you. -Morgan
Stacie. This is horrible. I am trying to find the photo of you and John at one of the Pan Am 103 memorial services at Arlington Cemetery, which you both attended every year. It is a picture of John in tears, with your head resting on his chest and your face red from crying. He was a special friend to the Syracuse students who were killed on that plane, and we often spoke about his spending their last days together in London. The families will miss him terribly. May his soul rest in peace, with those other souls who preceded him on that plane. Love, Frank Duggan, President Victims of Pan Am 103, Inc.
My heart is breaking for you, Stacie, and your boys. John was a great guy and I feel honored to have known him. My deepest condolences. You and your beautiful family are in my thoughts and prayers. xoxo Lauren
Stacey: There’s an old saying that as long as someone is remembered, they have never truly died. John will be remembered by us for as long as we are alive. He was – and is – part of our own extended family. As are you, and always will be. With love Bill and Ellie (BB and Gpa)
Stacey, I was most sorry to hear of your loss. I thought so fondly of you and John during our work together on the Pan Am 103 20th anniversary commemoration. You and your family will remain in my prayers.
Stacey, I cannot believe a man so wonderful and dedicated to our London group has passed well before his time. His work with you to bring us together is meaningful beyond words. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Still in shock from the news…may your memories be strong and sweet. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
Our friendship was found in the adventures of foreign study, forged by the trauma of terrorism, and is forever enduring despite life’s distractions over the years.
Stacey- There are no words…just love and prayers for you and Ian and Connor. I hope you are finding comfort in knowing that so many care so much. Much Love, Cheryl Higgins
Stacey- All my love to you and your boys, who couldn’t have been luckier to have such an incredible man in their lives. I am so so sorry for your loss. Always, Julia
Dear Stacey, Ian & Connor, I was so sorry to hear about John. I know that we all have fond memories of your husband & dad. As I was recalling some of our London experiences, I know that there were many treasured moments with friends. I will always remember his dedication to remembering the friends we lost in Lockerbie. I am also sure of his dedication and love for you, his cherished family. You are in my prayers. Carolyn
Dear Stacy and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I’m sure the support and care from family and friends will give you strength. Rusty
Stacey, Connor and Ian, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ms. Lynn (SACC)
Dear Stacey, Ian & Connor, Our sincerest condolences go out to you at this time and we can only pray that you are comforted by and take strength from the wonderful memories you have of an amazing, wonderful husband and father. Please know as you struggle through this time, that people from around the world send love and know too the impact that John had on us all. Fond regards, Bruce and Lorna And a comforting cuddle from the island dog you love so much, Beuda St Maarten, Dutch West Indies
I just learned about the passing of John in the SU alumni magazine. So sorry to read about this. John was a great coworker; we were both hired by Aetna Insurance the same year. I left the company after 3 years to attend grad school. I remember him fondly and am so sorry to hear that he is no longer here. My deepest condolences to the family.