Paul F. Sweeney

Paul F. Sweeney, 80, of 635 W. Fremont St., Galesburg, died at 5:21 a.m. on Saturday February 24, 2007 at Heartland Health Care Center.   Paul was born on December 2, 1926 in Monmouth, Illinois, the son of Claude Paine and Evelyn Sweeney.  Paul’s parents died when he was 2 ½ and was adopted and raised by his maternal grandparents Hamilton P. and Flora Lee Sweeney.  He married Alma E. “Betty” Horn on April 19, 1947 in Galesburg.  She died on November 25, 1990.  Surviving Paul are 2 sons:  Paul Sweeney II of Arlington Heights and Patrick G. Sweeney of Odessa, Texas; 3 daughters:  Mary (Kenny) Barton of Glendale, WI, Katherine L. Andre and Lori A. Sweeney both of Galesburg.  Also surviving Paul are 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.  Preceding him in death were 1 brother and 3 sisters.   Paul served in the US Army during WW II.  He graduated from Abingdon High School.  He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Paul worked at OMC Gale Products for 37 years and retired in 1981.  He was a member of Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285.  Paul wrote the school song for Abingdon High School.  He was a member of the Illinois Sheriff's Association.Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday March 1, 2007 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery with the Reverend Ernest Pizzamiglio officiating.  There will be no visitation.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Military rites will be performed by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285.  Memorials may be made to the Family House, 1509 N. Knoxville, Peoria, IL 61602.