John Eldredge Sweeney

John Eldredge “Jack” Sweeney of Alexandria, VA died on August 23, 2022, at home surrounded by family. He was born on January 21, 1942, in Rockville Centre, Long Island, NY as the eldest of five children of his deceased parents, John Joseph Sweeney and Ella Margaret Hathaway. He was also pre-deceased by brothers, Warren William and Christopher Alan; a sister, Susan Roselle (Lawrence Collins); and a nephew, Robert John Sweeney. Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Carol Lee Jenkins; his sister, Joan Ellyn (Frank DeLuca); his sons, John Scott (Anne Marie Ambrose) and Brett Matthew (Pamela Christine Ezell); his daughter, Janelle Maxine Marie (Dolan Chance Hall); nine cherished grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews.

After graduation from Central Islip High School on Long Island, NY, Jack served six months of active duty for training as a NY Army National Guardsman. He then attended Kent State University in Ohio, where he met his wife. He also served in the Army Reserve and the Kent State University Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate, receiving a Regular Army commission. He subsequently served as an Infantry Platoon Leader and Acting Company Commander in Vietnam and as an Intelligence Officer for a second Vietnam tour. Other foreign and stateside service culminated in retirement as a Colonel. After his Army retirement, Jack joined the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) for 15 years of service as a GG-15 Supervisory Intelligence Officer.

Following his second retirement, Jack and Carol became amateur genealogists, achieving membership in various lineage societies. Jack served as President of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Fairfax Resolves Chapter and held other Chapter, State, and National SAR positions. He was also a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Fairfax Resolves SAR Chapter at 12158 Holly Knoll Circle, Great Falls, VA 22066. Visitation is scheduled at the Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314 on Saturday, September 10, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. with a prayer service from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. A funeral service and military burial at Arlington National Cemetery will occur at a later date.