In Memory

John B. Sweeney - Class Of 1963

John B. Sweeney

John B. Sweeney

 
 
Obituary

John B. Sweeney, 64, died Oct. 31, 2009, at Martin Memorial Medical Center in Stuart. He was born in Manhattan, N.Y., and lived in Stuart for 49 years, coming from Juno Beach. He was a member of the Stuart Fly Rodders, Stuart Rod and Reel Club and Coastal Conservation Association of Florida. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Irene Sweeney of Stuart; daughters, Lisa Williams and Allison Solis, both of Stuart; son, Peter Sweeney of Stuart; father, John R. Sweeney of Stuart; brothers, Michael Sweeney of Orlando and Christopher Sweeney of Palm City; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Sweeney. Memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Blood Bank, 2229 E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34996. services: A memorial service will be at 3 p.m., Nov. 17 at Indian RiverSide Park Pavilion in Jensen Beach. Arrangements are by All County Funeral Home & Crematory Treasure Coast Chapel.
Published in the TC Palm on Nov. 4, 2009
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Obituary

John B. Sweeney, 64, died Oct. 31, 2009, at Martin Memorial Medical Center in Stuart. He was born in Manhattan, N.Y., and lived in Stuart for 49 years, coming from Juno Beach. He was a member of the Stuart Fly Rodders, Stuart Rod and Reel Club and Coastal Conservation Association of Florida. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Irene Sweeney of Stuart; daughters, Lisa Williams and Allison Solis, both of Stuart; son, Peter Sweeney of Stuart; father, John R. Sweeney of Stuart; brothers, Michael Sweeney of Orlando and Christopher Sweeney of Palm City; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Sweeney. Memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Blood Bank, 2229 E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34996. services: A memorial service will be at 3 p.m., Nov. 17 at Indian RiverSide Park Pavilion in Jensen Beach. Arrangements are by All County Funeral Home & Crematory Treasure Coast Chapel.

Published in the TC Palm on Nov. 4, 2009

Find-A-Memorial

Late Saturday afternoon, the Treasure Coast fishing community lost a true asset.

John B. Sweeney, owner of John B’s Fly and Light Tackle Shop at 4326 S.E. Federal Highway in Stuart, passed away at Martin Memorial Hospital with wife Irene and his family by his side.

For many years, anglers who stopped by the south Stuart shop were greeted six days a week with a friendly smile and a wealth of knowledge about local fly fishing. Whether it was a specific fly tied just for luring Spanish mackerel or a small jig designed to hook a tasty pompano, Sweeney probably had it, or knew where it could be had.

Although born in New York, Sweeney grew his love for fishing while growing up in Palm Beach County. For most of the past 20 years, Sweeney helped cultivate a love for fishing in visitors to his shop.

“I loved him like a brother,” said Frank Pryzbylski, president of the Stuart Rod and Reel Club who helped cover the shop when Sweeney had another engagement. “He will definitely be missed.”

Sweeney served the Treasure Coast fishing community selflessly. He was a longtime member and past officer of the Stuart Rod and Reel Club and Stuart Flyrodders, among others, and always supported efforts by the Coastal Conservation Association and organizations that helped get kids out fishing. He also sponsored a free weekly flycasting lesson conducted Saturday mornings most recently behind the fire station on A1A next to the Elliott Museum and Stuart Beach.

For the past month, Sweeney battled serious health concerns. Late in the week, things took a turn for the worse, and Thursday he was admitted to Martin Memorial Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

Anglers and customers are asked to remember Sweeney, his wife Irene, and his family in their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. When arrangements are made, the family’s wishes will be conveyed in Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers.

Tight lines, John. We’re going to miss you.