David L Sweney

David Lowry Sweney, 88, of Columbus, passed peacefully surrounded by family, July 31, 2016. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Nancy (Davis) Sweney, parents Lowry and Eleanor (Smith) Sweney, brother, Stephen A. Sweney, nephew, Neil Sweney and many treasured friends and colleagues. He is survived by daughter, Wendy, of Columbus, sons, Steve of Bradenton, Florida, Greg of Westbury, New York, and John, also of Columbus, daughter-in-law, Diane (Fulton) Sweney of Saginaw, Michigan, grandsons, Justin and Zack Sweney of Denver, Colorado and nephews, Brian, Lowry and Stephen A. Sweney, Jr., respectively of Chicago, Los Angeles and Columbus.

Dave graduated from Columbus Academy in 1945, and Princeton University, where he was a member of The Elm Club in 1949. He later served as a pilot in the U.S. Navy, stationed at the Naval Air Training Base in Pensacola, Florida. He was an executive with the Formica Corporation and a business owner – including Building Specialties Inc., Columbus Motor Home and Duff’s Restaurants. But, it was a real love for teaching that led him to a long and successful career with Columbus State Community College, where he taught in several areas of study including math and business management.

Dave had many interests that he enjoyed. He was an avid Civil War historian, especially the Battle of Gettysburg, where he led family and friends on educational tours many times. He was an enthusiastic gardener, photography buff and tireless home moviemaker, lover of music and opera, an inventive amateur chef and a huge fan of various sports, especially the Buckeyes. Dave even briefly dabbled in home wine-making, producing the legendary Sweney Wine, or “Swine,” which he accurately described as “technically consumable, but not any good.” Dave was a proud American and enjoyed all things patriotic, especially 4th of July parades in Bexley, where he was a yearly fixture. Above all though, he was a Dad determined to make growing up both educational and fun, a challenge he excelled in and embraced wholeheartedly.

Through it all, Dave set a lasting example of devotion and love for which he’ll be fondly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in David’s name to the charity of your choosing. Friends may call 5-8 pm Wednesday, August 3, at SCHOEDINGER MIDTOWN CHAPEL 229 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215. A funeral service will be held, Thursday, August 4 at 1 pm, at Saint Albans Episcopal Church, 333 South Drexel Ave, Bexley, OH 43209, with interment to follow at Green Lawn Cemetery. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.schoedinger.com