Michael McSweeney faced every challenge head on. Be it the fire calls he responded to, fathering three daughters, being a lineman for 27 years, or the cancer that took him too soon on November 20th, 2024.
On August 15th, 1959 he was born the 6th child of 7 to Thomas and Jean McSweeney in Paramus, New Jersey where he grew up and often caused trouble with his siblings and friends throughout the neighborhood. Survived by his parent-in-laws, Robert and Judy Busam, sister-in-law Karin Cushing (James Cushing) and his siblings; Patrick McSweeney, Maureen Lodge, Theresa Mormino, Kathy Cimiluca, Thomas McSweeney, and Dawn McSweeney, their spouses, his collective 14 nieces and nephews, as well as their spouses and children- their ridiculously large family gatherings won't be the same without his laughter, grilling skills, and music choices.
His wife of 33 years, Linda Busam McSweeney, found his light-hearted demeanor and ridiculous sense of humor endearing enough to marry him on St. Patrick's Day, 1991. They moved to Stillwater, NJ in 1998 with their three daughters, Erin McSweeney Judge (Joseph Judge), Kaitlyn McSweeney (Brody Wecht), and Kerri McSweeney. Their home saw a million memories; movie days of "A League of Their Own", plenty of creamy garlic noodles and biscuits, and Mike pulling in to see a surprise green GMC truck one day with his girls excited for him- all which created the most loving home. He became "Pop" 2022 to Ada Mae Judge, and he loved the time he spent with her.
Mike loved being surrounded by neighbors and friends. Somewhere between the camping trips, Ireland getaways, dinners, and campfires those friends became family.
Mike gave back to his community by being a lifetime member of Hampton Township Fire Department, a past member of Paramus Fire Department, a member and past Commander of the Sons of The American Legion Post 86, past Governor of the Newton Moose Lodge, and always supporting kids' lemonade stands wherever he went.
If you find yourself missing Mike, look for him in the Yankee game, a handful of M&M's, a Beatles album, the hills of Ireland, or a Monty Python movie. He'll never be too far, and he asks us all to remember to "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life."
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 24, 2024 from 2pm-5:30pm with a Firemen's Service to follow at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, November 25, 2024 at 11am at American Legion Post 86, 20 Yates Ave, Newton, NJ 07860.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following organizations: Your local fire departments or the American Cancer Society.
