Safe Home: Gerry, Kevin

August 13, 2023

Gerald F. Sweeney
November 6, 1929 – June 27, 2023

The Honorable Gerald Francis Sweeney

age 93, beloved husband of 60 years to the late Bride Ann Sweeney (nee Gallagher), went home to Heaven on June 27, 2023, surrounded by his family.  Loving father of Kathleen, Patricia (Paul McGuire), Michael (Melissa), Maureen Sweeney-Loftus (Greg), Martin (Kate, deceased), Mary Frances Monroe (James) and Bride Seifert (Jason).  Much loved grandfather of Conor (Isabel), Patrick (Victoria), Regan (Sabrina), Colin, Ryan, Maureen, Kathleen, Molly (Brennan Pehotsky), Bride, Samantha, Margaret, Megan (Colin), Riley (Joe), and Joseph.  Great-grandfather of Miguel, Alejandro, Ana Maria, Santiago, Sophia, Sloane, Teagan, and Charlotte; beloved son of the late Flornell (nee Burke) and Michael Sweeney; beloved brother of the late Patricia McKinnon (Roy, deceased).  Dear brother-in-law of Margaret Lang (Dr. Tom Lang), and the late Martin Gallagher (Inga), Sr. Mary Gallagher, CSJ, and John P. Gallagher.  Loving uncle and friend of many. Judge Sweeney attended daily Mass and had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Gerald Francis Sweeney proudly served his country during the Korean conflict.  He began his distinguished legal career as an attorney for the City of Cleveland, acting as the liaison to the business community.  He was then appointed Commissioner of Redevelopment in the Urban Renewal Department and later served as an assistant to Mayor Ralph Locher.  He then transitioned to a successful legal career in banking, first at Union Commerce Bank and then spent 20 years at Cleveland Trust/Ameritrust as a Public Funds Officer and as the Vice President for Governmental Affairs.

Gerald Francis Sweeney served with distinction as a judge of the Cleveland Municipal Court from 1995-1999 and then as a visiting judge in many local municipalities for 10 years.  Judge Sweeney had a deep commitment to the citizens of Cleveland, serving on the Cleveland Civil Service Commission and as Vice President of the Cleveland Board of Education.  He was a strong supporter of his beloved Alma Mater Saint Ignatius High School and a proud graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College and Cleveland-Marshall School of Law.

Safe home Dad. 

Obituary courtesy of Chamber’s Funeral Homes www.chambersfuneral.com

Kevin Joseph McCluskey

(April 3, 1969 – July 11, 2023)

A lifelong resident of Euclid, Kevin was the beloved son of Joe “Josie” (dec.) and Mary (née Hastings) McCluskey; brother of Mary Leonard (Bud, dec.), Christine Philion (Christopher), Tom McCluskey, Tricia O’Donnell (Patrick), Maureen McCluskey, and Katie McCluskey (Michael Crawley); uncle of Andrew and Patrick Philion, Sean, Cara and Meghan O’Donnell; nephew of Tom, Frank, and Norine Hastings, and the late Frank and James McCluskey, and Margaret Balsitis; grandson of the late Thomas and Nora Hastings, Joseph and Elizabeth McCluskey; a wonderful friend to many.

Kevin graduated from Euclid High School, served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Acadia and was employed by Cometic Gasket. He served in the Gulf War and was a former member of St. Christine’s Church in Euclid prior to Diocese consolidation. A proud Irishman, he was a member of both the Irish American Club East Side and the West Side Irish American Club.

Former president of the IACES, and past president of The Ancient Order of Hibernians (Bluestone Division). Kevin was elected member of the year by the IACES in 2008 and was a highly dedicated volunteer at the Irish Clubs, Festivals, United Irish Societies of greater Cleveland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, The Cleveland Feis, as well as a multitude of other organizations.

Kevin was a member of the St. Pat’s Gaelic Football club, played several sports in grade school and high school and was a member of the Masterson School of Irish Dance.

Kevin will be remembered by many as everyone’s best friend, a man who could light up any room with his beautiful smile and infectious laugh. He was truly larger than life and did countless things for others. A generous soul who served his country, his community and loyal friends.

*Obituary courtesy of DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home