John D. Sweeney

Newton – Dr. John D. Sweeney, of Newton, died Friday, August 24, 2012 at his home. He was 92.

John was born on September 14, 1919 in Waltham, one of five children of the late John J. and Julia (Ryan) Sweeney and was a graduate of the former St. Mary's High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Tufts College and his medical degree from Tufts Medical School in 1944. He served his internship at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. John also honorably served his country in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

His surgical training and military background began in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, Boston City Hospital and in Veteran's Administration hospitals in both Tennessee and North Carolina.

Dr. Sweeney was former chief of surgery at the former Waltham Hospital. He was a partner with Twinbrook Surgical Associates of Waltham which consisted of Drs. Holmes, Hardy, Sweeney, Brill and Grady.

For many years he was the contract physician to the Department of Federal Occupational Health in the John F. Kennedy Building, Federal Court House and the Department of Transportation in Cambridge until retiring 2 years ago at the age of 90.

His professional memberships included the American Board of Surgery, Charles River District Medical Society in which he served as past president, chief censor and councilor, American Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons. While at Waltham Hospital he was past president of the medical staff and member of the executive committee and chairman of the infection and environmental control committee.

John loved sports, especially the Boston Red Sox. He had a knack for knowing the teams, players and statistics of various records and games. He had played hockey and football and in later life took up golfing. One of his fondest memories was playing hockey at Boston Garden while in high school. He also enjoyed reading and was an easy conversationalist.

He leaves his loving wife of 35 years, Judith (Burbine) Sweeney; his children from his first marriage, Paul C. Sweeney of Austin, Texas, Constance Clephane and her husband, Thomas, of Greenwich, Connecticut, Ann Chester-Jones and her husband, Dr. Hugh Chester-Jones, of Waseca, Minnesota, John D. Sweeney of Newton and from his marriage to Judith, their son, Ryan J. Sweeney, Esq. of Philadelphia; 6 grandchildren; thirteen devoted nieces and nephews from the Fahey, Kyte and Lapak families and was the great uncle of twenty-two.

Family and friends will honor and remember John's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, August 29th from 5 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

In lieu of flowers memorials in his name may be made to the Dr. John D. Sweeney Scholarship Fund, Tufts University School of Medicine, Office of Development, 136 Harrison Street, Boston 02111.