William F. Sweeney

William (Bill) F. Sweeney

8/30/1947 – 3/29/2024

William (Bill) F. Sweeney transitioned peacefully in his home on March 29, 2024. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanne; his three devoted children, Cheryl, Stacey (Tina Mize), and Brian; his brothers, Patrick and Michael; and his treasured grandchildren, Logan and Morgan.

Bill was born in Philadelphia, where he would spend most of the rest of his life. He delivered groceries and helped neighbors from an early age. So began his life of service. He soon developed a tremendous love for the outdoors and began his passion for fishing early on. Bill was a devoted son to his parents throughout their entire lives.

Bill met and married his Frankford High School sweetheart, Jeanne, and they were blessed to have a marriage spanning over 56 years. Their rock solid relationship was the model for many, and their undying love for one another will forever be an inspiration. The secret of life is not finding someone to live with, it's finding someone you can't live without.

Bill continued his service in the U.S. Navy, serving in the Seabees and on the ground at Da Nang and Phu Bai, Vietnam. His family remains forever proud of his dedication to his country and life of honor.

As a career Philadelphia firefighter, Bill spent 34 years serving, saving lives, building relationship with his firefighter brothers, and living a life of dedication to others. He was the firefighter you could turn to and know he would handle anything – he would walk into any situation and do what needed to be done, with respect to all involved. He lived his life as an example to everyone who knew him of how to do the right thing always.

Bill and Jeanne brought three children into the world and had a beautiful life together. Summer vacations at the shore, the Poconos, traveling to Disney – they always had fun together. Bill took the kids camping, canoeing, and tubing on the Delaware. He would give a dollar to whoever saw the first deer on a car trip. He would drive around and point out every single aspect of nature to the amazement of everyone involved. He could spot a hawk, groundhog, deer, different kinds of trees, birds, and many others as they moved through the world. Bill was a music lover through and through – there was always music in the house and he took his kids to their first concerts, instilling a love of music in all three of them. Bill was an avid reader and enjoyed book discussions with his kids as they shared and read books together into adulthood.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. His family has fond memories of him sitting in the dining room tying his own flies, which were always perfection. He would happily sit for hours in a tree stand, duck blind, walk through a field, or on a Martha’s Vineyard beach and thoroughly enjoy his life. Those were some of his happiest moments.

Bill retired from the PFD at the same time he was delighted to be promoted to one of his favorite roles of his life – the one of Pop. He adored his two grandchildren to the end of the earth and would move mountains for them. He shined in this role and his love for those kids was something to behold.

Bill was naturally a man of service – he served all who knew him, both through his physical acts and deeds, as well as his work. He was always the man to call and whoever made that call knew he would be there. He would help anyone at any time, without hesitation. He was steady, calm, and dependable in a way that is exceptional and rare – he was a shining example of how to live a good life. He loved his people through being there for them and doing what needed to be done. He was an extraordinary man and an exceptional human.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to any of the following in Bill’s memory: Firefighter’s Widows Fund, a wildlife charity of your choice, the Alzheimer’s Association. Donations to St. James Lutheran Church in Philadelphia in lieu of Mass cards.

A life well lived marks everyone around it with love. Please remember the marks that Bill made on your life as you celebrate him. The family invites anyone who knew Bill to attend and remember his wonderful life at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road, Philadelphia, PA 19114 on Friday, April 5, 2024. Visitation will be held from 10:30 – 11:30 am. Military honors and funeral service will be at 11:30 am. Luncheon to follow from 12 – 3 pm.

Services entrusted to Walter J. Meyers Funeral Home and condolences may be made at www.meyersfh.com