William Cecil Sweeney

William Cecil “Bill” Sweeney left this world on February 9th, 2024, with a twinkle in his eye and a trail of adventures behind him. Bill was born on March 12, 1941, in Salem, Ohio, the youngest of Jessie and Walter Sweeney’s ten children. He inherited his dad's work ethic and his mom's boundless hospitality. She always believed there was room for one more at the table, and Bill took that to heart.

From his earliest days, Bill was a whirlwind of curiosity and mischief. Whether he was experimenting with his chemistry set or hitchhiking to explore a new destination, he never lost that spark of wonder. Bill earned his degree in chemistry from Youngstown State University and had a long career holding several positions, including plant manager, in the chemical industry. He was a voracious reader of everything and anything and often shared his knowledge with whoever cared to listen or bravely debate his point of view.

Shortly after retiring, Bill met and married, Darlene embarking on a new chapter filled with love and adventure. They explored the world together for the remaining decades of his life - a partnership built on mutual respect, unwavering support, and boundless devotion.

Bill did not have traditional hobbies; he didn’t golf or bowl. He spent most of his free time with his family, both immediate and extended, teaching us what a difference constant love and devotion can make. He could talk to anyone and was as comfortable in a tavern on the south side drinking Jim Beam as he was being given a private tour of the Vatican after striking up a conversation with a priest who worked there.

A devoted husband, father, uncle, and grandfather, Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene; his brother, Frank (Sally); his sister-in-law, Dorothy; his children: Victoria Sweeney (Rob Kettle), Theresa Hus (Joe), and Stephanie Payment (Greg), and many nieces and nephews. His eight grandchildren: Victoria, Gabrielle, Elliot, Noah, Benjamin, Samuel, Caydence, and Cecelia, will always hold him close in their hearts.

Bill hated funerals, so following his wishes, we will gather at Theresa and Joe’s house at 2 pm on March 9th to remember, laugh, and revel in our good fortune at having known him.