Sad, sad news about a man who made many friends around the world due to his passion and knowledge in the field of military history. Having never met him in person it was clear, even through his writing, what a giving and generous man he was. He will be much missed and leaves a large void in his field which may never be filled by anyone else, so great was his knowledge. My heartfelt condolences to those he left behind.

What sad news. Joe was always so cordial and he leaves a legacy as a first class member of the collecting community. My deepest sympathies for his family.

Obviously, the loss of Joe is a very great tragedy and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
 
In the more prosaic world of collecting and researching the Great War, especially British uniform and equipment, the loss cannot match that to his kin; yet it's deeply and keenly felt: Joe was the guru, the fount, the mother lode.
 
As a student and researcher, he was everything most of us aren't, and had done what most of us haven't: the hard yards, the long hours in the archives; locating, reading and copying volumes of ledgers, pattern books and records. This then combining with an amazing recall  either for the detail off the top of his head, or to which ledger to refer  and an incredible generosity in sharing that knowledge freely: on forums, in articles and in correspondence.
 
In this, he put cut-and-paste experts' to shame with his access and reference to original sources; and the modesty with which he refused plaudits while happily crediting others.
 
Like some others here, I was lucky to correspond with Joe over many years. An email from blimey1915' would not only always result in great anticipation of some knowledge to be imparted, or some question to be answered; but also always met or exceeded that anticipation with the exact thing, the exact thing, that you wanted to know. And all with great patience and courtesy too.
 
Given he could not be bested in this field, I think it's fair to say that when, in 2012, I received a request in one of those blimey1915 emails to assist with a couple of his Militaria magazine articles, it was possibly the greatest compliment of my collecting career.
 
A great regret  beyond his going  for all of us is that there isn't a book. It remains a mystery why Schiffer or somesuch hadn't snapped him ages ago up to deliver the definitive work on the subject. All we can hope for now is that Militaria holds a bank of pieces as unyet published and, at some point, Histoire & Collections is moved to compile them into a single (English language) tome. It would be a great and apt tribute to him.
 
As those who dealt with him on this side of the pond know, he largely closed his mails with Take care'.
 
Indeed.
 
Take care, Joe Sweeney.

this is a terrible loss. Although I was not able to meet with Joe personally, we had extensive e-mail interaction and he wrote amazing articles for Militaria Magazine. He certainly was willing to share his knowledge, which is an endearing quality. My sincere condolences to his relatives
P. Charbonnier/France

"Wer im Gedächtnis seiner Lieben lebt,
der ist nicht tot, der ist nur fern;
tot ist nur, wer vergessen wird." (Immanuel Kant)
"The one who lives in memory of his beloved ones, isnt dead, he is only far away, dead is only, who ll be forgotten."
During his lifetime he erected his own  monument amongst his friends and us other collectors spread all over the world. He shared his huge knowledge about WWI stuff with everyone who asked for his opinion. Each question seemed to be welcome and was answered directly in a warm and heartily manner. 
With his dead there is a gap that cannot be filled again.

J'apprends avec une grande tristesse la disparition de Joe. Je ne faisais pas partie de ses proches, mais ayant été en contact avec lui, j'avais pu apprécier le remarquable travail qu'il avait accompli en matière de connaissance du militaria britannique de la Première Guerre mondiale.
Je présente toute mes condoléances à sa famille et à ses amis.

Joe,
Thanks very much for all the help and assistance provided.
It is a great loss, especially for your family but also for all concerning the great war and it's collectors.
You will be remembered!
Condolences from out of Flanders

Some kind words here on the Great War Forum http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=226323

I am very sorry to learn of Joe's passing from this earth. While we had never met face to face we were virtual collecting friends and researchers for many many years. His vast knowledge, personal warmth and patience will be missed by many.

Joe's knowledge of British Great War uniforms and equipment far exceeded that of the vast majority of collectors here in Great Britain.
He was always happy to share his knowledge and always gave information and observations politely and kindly.
His death is terribly sad and, besides the loss to his family and friends, it will be a great loss to serious Great War collectors and casual enthusiasts alike. We owe him a great deal.
I shall certainly miss his help and advice.

Many years ago Joe talked me in to jumping out of a perfectly good airplane and then enjoyed reminding me of the consequences often.  He was a great guy, always smiling.  He will be missed.

My condolences to the family. Joe was always a pleasure to be around...he always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He will be missed by many.

Joe was a focused, intelligent, caring, compassionate man who is and forever will be, sorely missed.  Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory comfort us tomorrow.

I, too, am extremely sorry to hear of the loss of such a knowledgeable, helpful and friendly man. He will be much missed by many on the Great War Forum.

I am honored and blessed to have known Joe. He was truly a blessing in my life and I will miss him . My condolences.

Joe, you were one of us my friend, I will miss your laugh and your knowledge. Rest in peace.

I was saddened to learn today of the death of Joe Sweeney. I had spoken with Joe many times through the Great War Forum, and always found his messages there extremely detailed, helpful, and fascinating to read. His loss will be greatly felt in collectors circles around the world. My condolences go out to his family at this sad time.

Joe, You've been a great friend and shared a wealth of knowledge with me and many others. You will be truly missed. The world seems a little smaller without you now. God speed my friend.

My sincere condolences to the Sweeney family and his friends.  He was a great man, honest and sincere, yet with a quick wit and sense of humor that always made the most difficult of times enjoyable.  His work ethic was second to none, yet he always took the time to sit down and shoot the breeze.  We may not have always agreed, but you could always count on Joe's respect. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Paul L Herrman, JTRS GMR Supportability IPT Lead

Joe, you will be missed by so many. You were a guiding light, teacher and a great person. I have learned so much from you. I will miss the hikes and the good laughs we had. 

I pray that your family finds peace in knowing that you were important to so many and I hope they come together in this time of sadness.

Such a loss, a wonderful man, a great co-worker filled with honesty and integrity.  My heart goes out to his family and friends.  May he finally be at peace and may his family somehow find comfort.  
Laura Reiss, a co-worker, working together with Joe for over 20 years.  May God Bless.

Wishing you all peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Rest in peace, Joe

Love Butch and Jeanne

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Joseph Sweeney

Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home

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