Bro. John Sweeney OFM

April 17, 1949 - March 13, 2009

Br. Jack Sweeney OFM died peacefully at the age of 59 of complictions of severe diabetes and congestive heart failure, on Friday, March 13, 2009, at 1:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Angels Friary at Greccio in Springfield, Illinois.

Jack "formerly John?" was a Clevelander.  He was born of Joseph and Mildred (nee Parkinson) Sweeney who preceded him in death.  His brother Jeff Sweeney survives.

In his early adulthood he joined the Secular Franciscan Order, and he loved working with mentally ill children.  He entered the Order of Friars Minor on June 25, 1977, and professed first vows on August 11, 1978.  He celebrated his solemn vows three years later on October 10, 1981.

After working at St. Francis Solano Parish and Friary in Reserve, Wisconsin, Jack began a life-long career of service to the poor, the homeless, the marginalized and those suffering from addictions.  For seven years, he lived at Chicago's St. Peter Church-in-the-Loop and worked with Fr. Philip Marquard OFM serving food to the poor on Kinzie Street in Chicago and with Fr. Phil's other SFO projects while also serving as assistant sacristan at St. Peter's.

With his presence and with his attempts at being an amateur "Mr. Fix-it?"," Jack was involved in St. Anthony's Inn in Chicago for ex-offenders, Marquard Center and it's dining room and other services, the homeless shelter of Mary and Joseph, and the shelter facility for the poor in Harvey, Illinois.

In 2001 Jack retired to Our Lady of Angels Friary at Villa West in Sherman, Illinois, because of ill health.  Jack had a special way about him.  He was kind, generous, and helpful to a fault.  He had an incredible sense of humor, which brought many smiles and joy to so many.  May he rest in peace.

Special thanks to thenursing staff at Memorial Hospital 4th floor G North and for Memorial Hospice who cared for our brother in his final days.  May the Lord bless them for their kindness and compassion.