John Patrick Sweeney

John Patrick Sweeney, SGM, USA Retired, passed away on August 24, 2022, in West Valley City, Utah.

John was born on December 1, 1940, the third of five children, to Myles Sweeney and Mary J. Gonzales Sweeney. He attended both Catholic and public schools in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and graduated from Robertson High School in 1959. John received his BA from Columbia College in 1979.

He married Ernestina Atencio and had three children (later divorced). He married Paula Phillips and had one son (later divorced). He married Roberta Fee (later divorced).

John was inducted into the United States Army on November 12, 1963. He served continually for over 26 years and retired as a SGM. Tours of duty included Viet Nam, Korea, and Panama as well as Stateside assignments. His retirement years were spent in the cause of raising veterans issues through the auspices of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

John was preceded in death by both parents; sisters Ann D.E. Sweeney and Mary Margaret Sweeney; brother Myles; daughters Patricia Pace and Sarah Vences; and son Sean Miller. He is survived by son John P. Sweeney (Stella); brother Mike Sweeney (Marty); son-in-law Rick Pace; and best friend and former wife, Roberta; numerous grandchildren and great-grand children; plus his ever-loving, 4-legged companion, Mylo.

Services are planned for October 20, 2022, at Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery (11 a.m.) and at Granger Community Christian Church (1 p.m.).