"Im just finding out about coach sweeney in march of 2014.I go to the classamates website where there is little information about teachers you had.I had him for a gym class teacher in 1970 at jfk.He used to give the class a motivational speech about clean living at the start of each class.He had such a presence I always wanted to tell him how much of a difference he made on a young persons future and life.if no one else reads this I know he can.This country needs a million more teachers like coach sweeney and kids would grow up to be better human beings.I will never forget him R.I.P. coach James Filosa, Bristol ct"
In loving memory of
Robert Lawrence Sweeney
October 17, 1934 - February 1, 2013
Robert Lawrence Sweeney (Age 78) of Pembroke Pines, Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 1, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.
Robert was born on October 17, 1934, in Washington, DC, son of the late Frances J. Sweeney, Sr. and Mary Claggett Williams Sweeney.
Robert graduated in 1952 from St. John's Military High School in Washington, DC. He lettered in basketball and baseball all 4 years. He then attended George Washington University on a full athletic scholarship for both basketball and baseball. He graduated from GW in 1957. He was a commissioned officer in the Marine Corps and served his country for 4 years active duty and 2 years in the reserves.
He married his college sweetheart, Fay Ann Thrift, on November 2, 1957. They then moved to Miami, FL, after his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps. He started as a teacher/coach at JFK Junior High in 1960. He was drawn to Miami to pursue his dream of becoming a comedian/impersonator, as he was very talented and gifted and loved show business.(He had won a talent contest at a night club in Washington, DC while attending college and often worked weekends to create and sharpen his act.) In the 1960's, Miami was a good place to continue getting experience. He had a passion for the stage and enjoyed many years entertaining in South Florida in clubs, cruise ships, etc. He also retired after 30 years of teaching in Dade County.
Robert was a wonderfully devoted husband and father to his children. and always found time to spend with his two boys. The family moved to Pembroke Pines, FL, in 1969, and they never left, living there for over 43 years.
Robert is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 55 years, Fay A. Sweeney, cherished and devoted father of Michael Sweeney (Jennifer) of Sterling, Virginia; Scott Sweeney (Laina) of Weston, Florida; grandfather to 5 grandchildren, Kevin Sweeney, Ryan Sweeney, Taylor Sweeney, Joey Sweeney and Brian Sweeney; as well as three sisters, Mary Francis DiBlasi of Silver Spring, Maryland, Dorothy Nordan (Ronald) of Easton, Maryland, Kathleen Lyons (Jack) of Tampa, Florida, and many more wonderful in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by his brother, Frances J. Sweeney, Jr.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 1:00pm at the home of Laina and Scott Sweeney: 1115 Hickory Way, Weston, FL, 33327
I 75 North Naples, Exit Indian Trace turn left. Once in Weston 1rst light turn right at "The Falls" development. Stay on Falls Blvd to first stop sign. The next street is Hickory Way, right only, 3rd house.
Park in street.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 11, 2013 for the immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his honor to:
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
1400 K Street NW, Suite 725
Washington, DC, 20005.
Tributes
"Dear Bob:
On behalf of your Classmates in the St. Michael's Elementary School Class of 1948, I thank you for being the kind and considerate person we knew and for making us and so many others laugh so often. Losing you hurts and leaves a big whole in our lives and we will always be remember what you meant to us.We pray for you and ask that you pray of us."
"Scott, Let me start by offering you and you family my deepest sympathies. There I was in 1963 Physical Ed class, NMB Jr. High. We put our shorts on, got our lockers, walked out of the locker room, and there he stood! The first thing that hit my mind is how much he looked like Clint Walker from Cheyenne TV series. The first thing we thought was don't mess up in front of Coach Sweeney! All in all, a really nice and respected coach. I'm 63 now and Coach Sweeney is still a factor in my life for morality and decency! I will always be grateful that he was a mentor in my life. He made me a stronger man. Thank you Coach Sweeney, NMB forever. Sincerely, "
"On behalf of the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Junior High School Class of 1980 in North Miami Beach Florida, we offer our sincere condolences to Coach Sweeney's family, friends, and former students. Coach Sweeney was my PE coach during my 1977-1980 school years at JFK Junior High. He will be missed. "
"I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Sweeney for a neighbor when I was growing up. I could not have asked for a kinder neighbor. He had the best sense of humor. He was one of a kind and will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends."
"Just heard coach Sweeney passed away, some may remember him from jfk jr high February 1 at 9:57pm via mobile �?� �?� 6 people like this. �?� Tim Oliver That sucks February 1 at 10:01pm �?� 1 �?� Eric C. Olson I remember him from JFK, he was a good coach & nice man. February 1 at 10:03pm �?� 2 �?� Tim Oliver yes he was, February 1 at 10:04pm �?� 2 �?� Harold Sokoloff Damn! One of my favorite coaches! RIP Coach Sweeney! February 1 at 10:10pm via mobile �?� 2 �?� Charlene Kossuth Henig Awww..........he was one of the nicest guys.......sad February 1 at 10:25pm �?� 4 �?� Tony Petty RIP Coach Sweeney Saturday at 4:34am via mobile �?� 2 �?� Susan Eder RIP Coach Sweeny! Saturday at 6:53am �?� 2 �?� Jennifer Honeycutt Wow that let's so sorry to hear that Saturday at 8:05am via mobile �?� 1 �?� Rick Perez I was at JFK during his last year. He may have lost some of his temper and friendliness over the years. Still liked him quite a bit. Saturday at 8:11am via mobile �?� 1 Saturday at 8:14am �?� 3 �?� Bruce Anchell He was a legend. RIP Coach. Remember him well. Saturday at 8:16am �?� 1 �?� Mike Bryan Coach Sweeny, Simmons, Major, and Coach G were all good roll models and good men.......RIP Coach Sweeny. Saturday at 8:20am �?� 3 �?� Jerome Baumoehl He was a great coach, what a sweet guy! Saturday at 8:56am via mobile �?� 1 �?� John Hayes RIP Mr. Sweeney. My favorite teacher at NMB jr. high.Andy Browne, I did know he was an entertainer at the beach venues (known that for years, I think a classmate out on the Phys Ed. field told me). He had a dry sense of humor & was good with the not so cool students as well as the most popular ones. He may have been new there during my years '60-'63. Saturday at 10:39am �?� Edited �?� John Hayes Glenn C Tocci, Did you know fellow guitar player Robin Listort at NMB Sr.high I was friends with him & his older brother Eddie (Norland) as they lived 2 doors down 181st St. Saturday at 10:55am �?� Lisa Turfryer Runkis RIP coach sweeney Saturday at 12:56pm �?� 1 �?� Andy Browne John Hayes: He was. I was there 62-64 and had him all 3 years. Saturday at 12:58pm �?� 1 �?� Robert Grunwald Rip coach Sweeney Saturday at 2:13pm via mobile �?� 1 �?� Glenn C Tocci No John I didnt, I went to Norland 1 yr and then to NMB when it opened. Saturday at 2:16pm �?� 1 �?� Maryann Wegrzyn Jillings that man was funny Saturday at 2:55pm �?� 2 �?� Dave Baumoehl RIP Coach Sweeney. Saturday at 9:32pm �?� Walter Judd I remember coach. RIP. I thought I heard he had passed some time ago but sad news. He was the best of the PE teachers at JFK when I was there. Sunday at 9:15am �?� Walter Judd Does anyone have a link to an obit or memorial? Sunday at 9:22am �?� Rick Hofberg Coach was always cracking jokes for us...One that still makes me laugh is: Why was Abraham Lincoln considered Jewish?...He was shot in the temple....RIP Coach Sweeney! Sunday at 12:34pm �?� 3 �?� Harold Sokoloff Anyone know where Coach Robert Sweeney was living? Sunday at 1:39pm via mobile �?� Walter Judd He used to sing "Hey Jude" when I came into the locker room. I really didn't like it but he sure did. Sunday at 9:40pm �?� Glenn C Tocci Sweeney, Robert L., 78, of Pembroke Pines, FL, passed away on February 2, 2013. Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens Home. Published in Sun-Sentinel on February 4, 2013 21 hours ago �?� Ken Donner oh no not another rip my friend 21 hours ago �?� Steven Hall i remember coach simmons used to say...hell,shit boy,why aren't you wearing your kackee shorts... 20 hours ago �?� Maryann Wegrzyn Jillings thank you gleen 20 hours ago �?� 1 �?� Glenn C Tocci yeah a good friend of mine is firends with his son & I told him he was my coach in jr high, so wanted to share.... 20 hours ago �?� Harold Sokoloffhttp://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sunsentinel/obituary.aspx?n=robert-l-sweeney&pid=162851238#fbLoggedOut 20 hours ago �?� 2 �?� John Hayes http://www.fredhunters.com/obituary/98171/Robert-Sweeney/#bio 10 hours ago HERE IS A BIT OF TRIVIA... I'll bet you all did not know that Coach Bob Sweeney was a stand up comic and singer that played all the hotels on Miami Beach. I saw him several times when I was a kid (my dad used to be the band leader/drummer at the Seville and Alladin Hotels) and always introduced Bob. Even though I> knew him away from school, he never cut me any slack. He always busted my balls to run harder during the 600 yard dash! "
"Vaya con Dios Coach. I remember you fondly from JFK Jr. High PE classes in the mid to later 1970s. My condolences to your family. "
"My PE coach at NMB Jr. High in the early 60s. He always tried to help each student grow & learn. My condolences to his family. RIP coach Sweeney."
"My PE coach at JFK Jr. High in 1978-79. Great sense of humor. My condolences to his family. RIP Coach Sweeney. "