John B. Sweeney Iii

GUILDERLAND – John B. Sweeney III, 72, of Guilderland, passed away peacefully on Friday March 16, 2012 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Buffalo on December 19, 1939 and was the son of the late John and Ruth Sweeney Jr.

John began his education with a solid Jesuit foundation at Canisius High School followed by Canisius College where he focused on his true love of math and science by receiving a bachelors of science in Physics. While working full-time, he continued to satisfy his desire for learning by earning three Masters of Science degrees (Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering) from Union College. Later in his career, through experience and certification, he earned the designation of professional engineer.

John's career began with several laboratory positions at Allied Chemical in Buffalo, followed by a move to Albany for a research engineer position with Huyck Felt. In 1974 he began his career at General Electric in Schenectady where he held many positions as an engineer in the Power Generation Division until his retirement after thirty-two years of service. He continued to be engaged at General Electric for several years after his retirement as a consulting engineer.

As an active member of the Christ the King parish community for more than 45 years, he shared his technical and mechanical skills in many ways – from participating on building committees to managing the scheduling of weekly mass volunteers and website. John was also very active with the Knights of Columbus as a Third Degree Knight and had previously held the distinction of Grand Knight for three years.

Throughout his life, he was an active volunteer providing service to others. With his wife at his side, John was active at the Food Pantry in Albany by driving to local restaurants to collect donations as well as participating in the distribution of items at the pantry. Participating with fellow GE employees, he was very active with the Elfin Society. John shared his building skills through the time spent working on Habitat for Humanity homes in GA.

John loved sailing – regardless of the location or size of vessel – this activity he not only enjoyed himself but he contagiously shared it with family and friends. Being the engineer, he not only sailed purchased boats but during his life constructed and sailed several boats on Lakes Erie and Saratoga.

In retirement, John enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time with his wife, family, and friends with activities like golfing, traveling to warm places, and working on his many computers.

John Sweeney is survived by Janis, his loving wife of fifty-one years; son John and his wife Marybeth; daughter Maureen and her husband Richard Ullman; his brothers: Michael and Richard Sweeney of Buffalo and his grandchildren: Meghan; Elizabeth; Jack; Karen; Kendall; and Thomas. He was preceded in death by his daughter Karen who died of cancer in 1992.

Funeral services will be Wednesday morning at 9:15 at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie then to Christ the King Church at 10:00 where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 pm at the funeral home. The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather at 4:30 for service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. Interment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. At the request of the family, memorial contributions are suggested to Christ the King Church Building Fund, 20 Sumpter Ave., Albany, NY 12203 in memory of John B. Sweeney III.