Obituary of Gary R. Sweeney
Hamlin – Gary R. Sweeney passed away suddenly Sunday, August 18, 2019 at the age of 68. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Eichas) Sweeney; his children, Brian (Tammy), Todd (Deana) and Michael Sweeney and Michele (Ryan) Snell; his grandchildren, Dylan and Gavin Sweeney and Norah and Corrine Snell; his sister, Donna (Ed) Zarpentine; his brothers, Daniel, Joseph and Timothy (Robyn) Sweeney; his mother-in-law, Beatrice Eichas; his sister-in-law, Kelly Sweeney; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Marylouise Sweeney and his brother, John Sweeney.
Gary was a lifelong resident of the Hilton-Hamlin area. He attended St. John the Evangelist School in Spencerport and graduated from Hilton Central School in 1969. He and his wife, Linda, knew each other since first grade.
Gary was very family oriented. His interaction with them could be for fun, but he also worked with them producing, harvesting, and selling fruits and vegetables. For the last few years, he attended many sporting and school events for the grandchildren. Taking them out to eat was a pleasure for him. He was known to often slip candy to them when the parents weren’t aware. He was a great storyteller and jokester to round out his personality. .
Gary was an electrician – a skill that he shared with his father and 2 brothers. For many years he did electrical side work that involved wiring on many different projects. It could include helping someone wire a new pool or assist with a remodeling project or wire a new home. He grew up on a dairy farm, but in later years was actively involved with his children raising fruits and vegetables.
In his retirement, he continually worked on his lawn to keep it in pristine shape. People still called him for electrical jobs and/or advice on how to do a job. Emailing his friends daily kept him connected to many people. Eating out breakfast or lunch with friends was a favorite activity. He also enjoyed talking for hours on the phone with family and friends. No matter where Gary went, he enjoyed seeing people he knew from Kodak, or wherever, and talking with them. He could strike up a conversation with anyone.
Gary and Linda and their family were longtime parishioners of St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Gary was also a longtime member of Hamlin Lions Club.
Family and friends are invited to call Friday, August 23rd, 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the THOMAS E. BURGER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 735 East Avenue, Hilton. Gary's Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 24th at 10:30 AM at St. Leo the Great Church in Hilton, followed by a Memorial Luncheon at the Church.
Those wishing may contribute to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church,PO Box 149, Hamlin, NY 14464 or Hamlin Lions Club, PO Box 91, Hamlin, NY 14464 in memory of Gary.
