John J. "Jack" Sweeney

John J. "Jack" Sweeney, 82, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025. John was born, raised and lived his entire life in Holyoke, the city he loved and called, "Magic City." John was predeceased by his wife, Rita (LaMagdelaine) Sweeney. He was also predeceased by his parents John J. and Abbie Sweeney, as well as his sisters, Dorothy (Sweeney) Driscoll and Eleanor (Sweeney) Bristol.  John retired from the MA Turnpike in 2003, and, at that time, he had more seniority than any MA State Employee. He spent his years driving an emergency response vehicle on the "Pike," changed more than his fare share of tires and always had a great story to tell about the people he assisted on the road. John loved sports and he was a strong supporter of Holyoke High Athletics. He helped the coaching staff of the Lady Knights Soccer Team back in the 80's when his daughters played. He kept the neatest scorebook, no other compared. John could be seen at many HHS soccer, football, basketball and baseball games. His greatest joy was watching his oldest grandson, Michael J. Dombrowski, play soccer, basketball and baseball, especially at McKenzie Field in Holyoke when he played for People's Bank Baseball. He attended every game without fail. He was a proud “Gramps.” John did a lot of long distant running in his earlier years, he even ran a few marathons. John was a strong member and sponsor of AA. He helped so many people over the years. May they all remember him for his dedication and words of encouragement.

John leaves behind his daughters, Patti-Ann (Sweeney) Dombrowski and her husband Mike, and Debbie-Ann (Sweeney) DeVito, as well as his step-son, Robert Snider and his wife Susan.  John will be missed by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Michael J. Dombrowski and his wife Alyssa and their children Kenley Grace and Michael Wayne Dombrowski. He will also be missed by his grandchildren, Joseph DeVito and Katherine DeVito, both graduated from UConn with honors.

A calling hour will be held for Jack on Thursday, July 10th from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke. Burial will follow in Saint Jerome Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Dombrowski Children Education Fund, Easthampton Savings Bank, Attn: Katie Woods, 770 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001.

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