John J. Sweeney; retired admiral, 85
John J. Sweeney, 85, of Wynnewood, a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Navy and later an insurance company executive, died Monday, Jan. 4, of prostate cancer at Lankenau Hospital.
John J. Sweeney, 85, of Wynnewood, a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Navy and later an insurance company executive, died Monday, Jan. 4, of prostate cancer at Lankenau Hospital.
In a career that combined military service with business, Adm. Sweeney made a point of serving as an advocate for young people.
Born in Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, he moved to Philadelphia with his family at age 10.
He graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School in 1948 and from St. Joseph's College in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in economics.
During his school years, he worked part-time as a grocery clerk, a caddie at Overbrook Golf Club, and a laborer carrying bricks on construction sites.
"The pressures of doing well academically, while at the same time working to afford schooling, prepared him for his subsequent balancing of dual careers in uniform and the business world," his family said.
The Korean War was underway when Adm. Sweeney graduated from college. He attended Navy Officers Candidate School in Newport, R.I., and was commissioned an ensign in the Naval Reserve.
He served as fire control officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. Later, he served with the Seventh Fleet in Korea, Japan, Australia, and off the coast of China.
On returning stateside, he became an administrative officer to the secretary of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.
Adm. Sweeney attended the Naval War College, the Army War College, and the National Defense University. He left the service in 1957, but was recalled to active duty after the Soviet Union began building the Berlin Wall.
He served on the USS Kidd, a Philadelphia-based destroyer. On returning to civilian life a second time, he remained in the Naval Reserve.
He served as readiness commander, Region Four, headquartered at the Philadelphia Naval Base, where he was responsible for 5,000 naval reservists.
He was twice made chairman of the national Navy Forces Reserve Policy Board and then appointed as the Navy representative on the Armed Forces Policy Board, reporting to the secretary of defense.
His last assignment was commander, Military Sealift Command, Europe, based in London. When he retired in 1990, he received a letter from Vice Adm. J.M. Boorda, thanking him for his contributions "during your most productive years."
Despite his high military profile, Adm. Sweeney was approachable and gentle in private life. "He was always 'Dad' to me," said his son John J. Sweeney Jr. "He was a humble, sweet, kind guy. You could meet him once, and he'd be your friend for life."
Adm. Sweeney's 27-year business career was spent at Marsh & McLennan Cos. where he was vice president for sales and then a principal based in Philadelphia. During his tenure, he earned insurance certification from the Graduate Studies School at the University of Pennsylvania. He retired in 1990.
He was committed to developing the self-confidence and abilities of the young. While his sons played football at St. Margaret School in Narberth, he served as assistant coach.
Adm. Sweeney was director of the National Sea Cadets and a longtime member of the Union League of Philadelphia's Youth Work Program and Foundation.
He also was a longtime member of the Men of Malvern, Catholic League, and the American Legion.
Besides his son, he is survived by his wife, Ann Louisa Willcox Sweeney; a son David C.; a daughter, Katherine W.; three grandchildren; and a sister.
Funeral services were Friday, Jan. 8.
Donations may be made to St. Joseph's Preparatory School, 1733 W. Girard Ave, Philadelphia, Pa. 19130, or Malvern Retreat House, P.O. Box 315, Malvern, Pa. 19355.
610-313-8102