Man's faith was undaunted by cancer diagnosis
Diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma two years ago, George R. Sweeney Jr. looked to his faith for comfort.
"He had very strong faith that helped with his illness," said Sweeney's daughter, Lauren J. Sweeney. "He was just at peace with everything when he died. It gave him comfort knowing he was going someplace better."
Mr. Sweeney, of Rostraver Township, died Saturday, July 9, 2005, at his home. He was 50.
Lauren Sweeney said her father didn't let his October 2003 cancer diagnosis stop him from working or participating in leisure activities.
He stayed on the job as manager of operations for the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County for more than a year after his diagnosis. An avid runner who participated in triathlons, marathons and martial arts, he also remained physically active for as long as possible.
Lauren Sweeney said her father's illness left him unable to continue working or running as of last November, but his faith remained strong.
"He just kept saying, 'It's in God's hands. If I beat cancer, that's great. If I die, I'm going to meet my maker,' " Lauren Sweeney said. "He wasn't afraid to die, due to his faith."
With his son, Lance Cpl. Michael J. Sweeney, stationed in Iraq, Mr. Sweeney also was an advocate for U.S. military troops. Lauren Sweeney said her brother's decision to enlist out of high school was a source of pride for her father.
In addition to sports, Mr. Sweeney enjoyed hunting and fishing. One of his favorite destinations for fishing trips, Lauren Sweeney said, was at a site near Buffalo, N.Y.
With the help of his father, George R. Sweeney II, and other family members, Mr. Sweeney also built his own home, Lauren Sweeney said. Mr. Sweeney's family still resides in the home today, his daughter said.
Mr. Sweeney was active in a number of organizations, including the National Rifle Association. He was past president of Water Works Association of Pennsylvania and served on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Water Resource Board.
Just prior to his diagnosis, Mr. Sweeney was elected to the board of trustees of Monongahela Valley Hospital and to the board of directors of the hospital's parent company, Mon-Vale Health Resources Inc.
In addition to his parents, daughter and son, Mr. Sweeney is survived by another daughter, Lindsay M. Sweeney; three brothers and sisters-in-law; a sister; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. today at James C. Stump Funeral Home Inc., 580 Circle Drive, Sweeney Plan/Rostraver Township. Interment will follow in the Sweeney family plot in West Newton Cemetery.
