Stephen Joseph Sweny

Stephen J. Sweny, 67, died July 7 in a house fire in his home. A long-time resident of Decatur, Steve was an illustrator and artist who worked professionally in New York, L.A, and then Atlanta. He graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He grew up in Northvale, New Jersey, and graduated from Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, NJ. Steve showed promise as an artist from a very early age. Following in his artist father’s (Wil Sweny) footsteps, Steve became a successful freelance illustrator for national magazines, advertisers and also created storyboards for film productions. He taught drawing to children at various locations in Dekalb County, which he greatly enjoyed. Steve is survived by his brothers Tim Sweny, Mark Sweny (Carol) and Brian Sweny (Clifford), and sisters Christine Sweny and Patty Jo Nachman (Marc). He had five nephews (Wil Sweny, deceased, Travis Sweny, Duncan Sweny, Nathan Sweny and Zach Nachman) and one niece (Caroline Sweny). He is survived by many cousins who loved him. He was especially close to his cousin Christopher Kane. Steve had many friends but was a very close to Leonard Williams of Atlanta. Friends and neighbors are invited to offer condolences and celebrate his creative spirit at Scottdale’s artist venue, Heck House at 3498 E Ponce de Leon Ave. (limited parking on Milton Ave.) on Saturday July 13, 2024 from 6:30-7:30PM. In lieu of flowers or donations, we encourage you to support future creators by donating art supplies to a children’s group of your choosing.