Stephen A. Sweney

Stephen Abbott Sweney, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of July 3, 2010, surrounded by family. He was born June 28, 1925 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Lowry Houston Sweney and Eleanor Pinney Smith. He was a graduate of the Columbus Academy, where he was a standout football player and senior class president. During World War II, Stephen enrolled in and completed the U. S. Navy’s V-12 Program at Princeton University. He achieved the naval rank of Lt. (Jr. Grade) and ultimately served as Harbor Master at Eniwetok, Marshall Islands in the Pacific Theater. He returned to civilian life and graduated from Princeton University in 1950, where he was a member of Elm Club. In 1955, he joined the investment securities firm of Sweney Cartwright and Company, retiring as vice president after over 50 years of service. He was a lifelong audiophile, pianist, and patron and collector of classical music, and one-time member of the board of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. A member of Pioneers Families of Franklin County, he was fascinated by the history of his extensive family, which included founders of Cincinnati, Granville and Franklin County. He was a lifelong member of Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club, where he participated in competitive tennis for many years. A Bexley resident since childhood, he could often be seen walking at least two dogs. He is survived by loving wife of over 20 years and devoted caregiver Barbara Zollinger Sweney, sons Brian (Marquita Hynes), Neil, Lowry (Sara Palaskas), and Stephen Sweney Jr.; stepchildren Tracy Zollinger (Dan Dougan) Turner and Anderson (Abbe) Turner. Grandchildren Achilleas Sweney and a soon-to-arrive sibling, Declan Dougan, Madeline, Lily and Ezra Turner; brother David Sweney, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and grand-nephews and nieces. Family will receive friends beginning at noon with services directly afterwards at 2 pm on Friday, July 9 at Schoedinger Midtown Chapel, 229 E. State St. Interment will immediately follow at Green Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in his name to HomeReach Hospice, OhioHealth Foundation 180 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215 or the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, 55 E. State Street Columbus, OH 43215. Share memories and condolences at www.schoedinger.com.