Obituary of Richard R. Sweeney

Richard R. Sweeney, 80, of 2364 Lakeside Drive Ashville, died Monday (August 15, 2011) in the Heritage Park Rehab and Skilled Nursing Facility. He was born December 17, 1930 in Watts Flats, NY the son of the late Francis and Violet Walradt Sweeney. Richard was a 1948 graduate of Panama Central School and served in the US Army from 1952 until 1959. For many years, he owned and operated The Auto Sales in Ashville, and following retirement, worked at Lutheran Social Services. Earlier, he worked for the Chautauqua County Highway Dept; was co-owner of CMK Auto Parts; and owned Chautauqua Perennial Gardens. Richard was a member of Lakewood Baptist Church, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities. He also loved spending time with his family and passed on a strong work ethic to them. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Alberta Hintz Sweeney; a son, Bruce (Kathy) Sweeney; a daughter, Ann (David) Lopus; two grandchildren, Ashley Sweeney and John Mayr; all of Ashville; a daughter in law, Rhonda Sweeney of Panama; and a brother, Donald Sweeney of Lakewood. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Philip Sweeney; and a brother, Frederick Sweeney. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM Friday in the Lakewood Baptist Church. The Rev. Daniel W. Cook, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 West Fairmount Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750; or Lakewood Baptist Church, 150 Erie St., Lakewood, NY 14750.