James T. Sweeney

On August 9, 2011, James T. Sweeney of Palm Beach Gardens was reunited with Kay, his wife of sixty-seven years, who predeceased him on June 28, 2011. Jim was born to Michael and Annie Sweeney in Winsted, CT, on August 21, 1921. After completing his education, Jim went to work for Pratt-Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT. While at work one day, Jim met his future wife, Kathleen "Kay" Clune. Jim and Kay were married on August 28, 1943 during Jim's service in the U.S. Army. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Jim returned to Pratt-Whitney where he spent the balance of his career. As the years passed, Kay and Jim were blessed with five daughters. In 1961, the Sweeney family moved to West Palm Beach to begin a new life in Florida. Over the years, Jim was active in a number of local church, school and community organizations.

An avid snow skier and hockey player during his youth, Jim developed a passion for golf after moving to Florida. He continued to play as long as his health permitted, serving for many years as volunteer coordinator of the UTC Retirees golf program. Jim was also a dedicated fan of Cardinal Newman football and any youth sports team in which his grandchildren participated. Jim retired in 1983 after a successful 42 year career with Pratt. During a long and happy retirement, Jim and Kay enjoyed travel and the many activities and milestones of their ever-expanding family. Jim was a true gentleman and a devout Catholic whose faith sustained him throughout his life. While we are saddened by his passing, we are comforted by the knowledge that Jim will spend eternity with Kay in heaven.

Jim is survived by his loving daughters, Ellen Fox (Theodore) of College Station, TX; Kathleen Doyle (David) of Durham, NC; Ann Schilling (Christopher) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Patricia Pontz (John, deceased) of Jupiter, FL; and Mary Beth Ali (Thomas) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Jim was the beloved "Papa" to fifteen grandchildren, Jennifer Fox, Jocelyn Fox Goode, Christine Doyle Lea, Jeffrey Doyle, Allison Doyle Taylor, Katie Doyle Darst, James, Paul, Thomas and John Schilling, Nicholas Pontz, and Timothy, Kathleen, Michael and Ryan Ali, as well as great-grandchildren, Erin Lea, Eberle Kay Goode, and Catherine, Emma, Alexis, Joshua, Amanda and Jack Schilling. Also surviving are his brother, John (Jean), of Danbury, CT, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, August 11, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Howard-Price Funeral Home, 754 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at St. Clare Catholic Church, North Palm Beach, with interment to follow at Riverside Memorial Park in Tequesta. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County. http://www.hpbc.com. The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to Maxine Hamilton, a dedicated caregiver whose kindness eased our father's final months. We also thank Dr. Andrew Moffitt and his staff for the compassionate care provided to our parents.