Patricia H. Sweeney

July 26, 1935 – May 29, 2026

Patricia “Pat” Helen Sweeney (Gunning), passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of a life well-lived as the matriarch of three generations of a proud Irish family.

Born on July 26, 1935, Pat grew up in Newark, New Jersey. She later raised her family in South Orange and Toms River before settling in Lavallette, where she resided for more than four decades. A proud snowbird, she also enjoyed spending many winters in West Palm Beach, Florida golfing and spending time with friends.

Pat was predeceased by her husband, John James Sweeney. Having spent nearly 70 years together, he was her best friend and the love of her life. She was also predeceased by her cherished sons, John and Jimmy (Leigh), and her brother, Wendel Gunning. 

A woman of remarkable energy, strong will, and entrepreneurial spirit, Pat owned and operated several businesses in Newark and Ocean County alongside her husband. She spent time chairing the NJ Irish Festival and was a familiar presence at the front of the Ocean County Saint Patrick's Day Parade from the 1980s until recent years. More so, she was also always a fixture at the end of the parade at the Hershey Motel where she would be happy to share a shot of Irish Mist and a dance with friends old and new.

She is survived by her children, Kate (Fifi), Joe (Robin), Eileen (Denis), Bob (Janice), Maureen, and Barbara Struckhoff; her grandchildren, Anna, Caroline (Chris), Laura (Ludovico), Erin (Kayla), Kyle, Kristie (Myles), Jenny (Richie), Hugh, Jackie (Nick), Lakota, Logan, Troy, and Jaime; and her great grandchildren, Charlie, Rosalita, Nora, Roman, Eleanor, Levi, Reed, Brooks, Claire, Amelie, and Riley.

Pat loved the shamrock as a symbol of good fortune, displaying it throughout her home and carrying its spirit with her throughout life. She was blessed with the greatest fortune of all - a large and boisterous but always loving family.

Her home in Lavallette served as the backdrop for countless family gatherings, celebrations, and summer memories. At the center of it all was the oversized table and lazy susan in the backyard, where friends, neighbors, and family, especially her chosen family from Georgia, always found a welcome seat (and sometimes a harmless prank.)

The family will celebrate Pat’s life privately but ask that those wishing to honor her memory spend time with loved ones, share a family story, enjoy a beautiful summer day at the Shore, or raise a pint of Guinness. These were among the simple pleasures that brought her the greatest joy.

Pat lived by the saying:

"If you obey all the rules, you'll miss all the fun."

And she never missed any of the fun.

Pat, Patsy, Mom, Grandma, Great Gram – you are so loved and so missed, but we will always think of you whenever we gather together.