Senate Resolution No. 1412
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of the Honorable John W. Sweeny
Jr., distinguished citizen, judge, and devoted
member of his community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable John W. Sweeny Jr. of Putnam County, New
York, died on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the age of 76; and
WHEREAS, A man of extraordinary intelligence, integrity, and quiet
grace, John W. Sweeny Jr., was born to late Justice John W. Sweeny Sr.
and the late Isabel Sweeny; and
WHEREAS, John W. Sweeny Jr. earned his A.B. in government from the
University of Notre Dame and received his J.D. from Fordham University
School of Law, where he would later serve on the Alumni Board; and
WHEREAS, John W. Sweeny Jr. distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, After beginning his legal career in private practice, John
W. Sweeny Jr. joined the Putnam County District Attorney's Office as
administrative assistant district attorney, subsequently serving as
confidential law secretary to two Supreme Court Justices; and
WHEREAS, After demonstrating his abilities, skill, and knowledge,
John W. Sweeny Jr. was elected as Putnam County Court Judge, where he
dealt with cases in the Family, Criminal, Surrogate, and Supreme Courts;
and
WHEREAS, In 2000, John W. Sweeny Jr. was elected as Justice of the
New York State Supreme Court, serving as the Senior Resident Justice for
Putnam County; and
WHEREAS, In 2004, John W. Sweeny Jr. was appointed as Associate
Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department by New York State
Governor Pataki; he made history by being the first Putnam County judge
to sit in that court; and
WHEREAS, New York State Governor Paterson made John W. Sweeny Jr. a
Constitutional Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, and
he won re-election to the Supreme Court in 2014 and was later
re-appointed to the Appellate Division by New York State Governor Cuomo;
and
WHEREAS, Outside the courtroom, John W. Sweeny Jr. was an active
member in his community and engaged in various types of charitable work,
such as volunteering at the Putnam 4-H Fair and Holiday on the Lake,
serving as president of the Putnam County chapter of the American Cancer
Society, and sitting on the Putnam Arts Council board; and
WHEREAS, As a proud Irish-American, John W. Sweeny Jr. co-founded
the Putnam County Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and served as Grand
Marshal of the Putnam-Northern Westchester St. Patrick's Day Parade; and
WHEREAS, John W. Sweeny Jr. was a member of several professional
organizations such as the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and
he served in leadership roles within the New York State Bar Association,
the Association of Family Court Judges, and various state commissions
aimed at improving various aspects of the court system; and
WHEREAS, For his distinguished service to New York State and his
local community, John W. Sweeny Jr. was honored with several awards,
including the U.S. Army Reserve Employer Support Award from the
Department of the Army, the Society of Irish American Lawyers 2020
Distinguished Achievement Award, and the Distinguished Service Award by
the Stephen P. Driscoll Lodge of New York State Fraternal Order of
Police; and
WHEREAS, Most recently, John W. Sweeny Jr. was recognized as a
"Living Landmark of Putnam County" due to his lifelong contributions to
the community and his historical achievements; and
WHEREAS, John W. Sweeny Jr.'s commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, John W. Sweeny Jr. is survived by his loving wife of 43
years, Alana; his sons, James (Kelcey), Brian, and Patrick; his chosen
fourth son, Michael Schmutzer; and other family members; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, John W. Sweeny Jr. leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of the Honorable John W. Sweeny Jr., distinguished
citizen, judge, and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of the Honorable John W. Sweeny Jr.
