CLEVELAND — 3News has learned that Tom Sweeney, who anchored and reported at our station for more than a decade, has died at the age of 77.
Sweeney's passing was confirmed via an obituary posted by Busch Funeral and Crematory Services in Avon Lake. According to Sweeney's family, he died Wednesday due to complications from cancer and dementia.
"He was proud of his NYC roots yet loved Cleveland," the obituary read, "making it his home for most of his life."
Sweeney was indeed born in Queens and ended up enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he earned a Bronze Star for his service in the Vietnam War. He worked several jobs upon returning stateside (including as a speechwriter for eventual Vice President Walter Mondale) before turning to journalism, eventually joining WKYC in 1981.
According to Sweeney's own LinkedIn page, he spent much of his time anchoring the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. news on the weekends while also helping launch the 5 o'clock news during the week. In this capacity, he "covered dozens of political candidates" and told stories of a "lighter fare."
Sweeney left 3News in 1993 to marry his wife, Beth, but continued to write and self-produce documentaries. He also served as president of the Greater Cleveland Fisher House, a "home away from home" for military veterans in need of medical care as well as their families. In 2017, the Joint Veterans Council of Cuyahoga County recognized him as its Outstanding Veteran of the Year.
The Fisher House released the following statement on Sweeney's death:
"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Tom Sweeney. He was a good man and absolutely instrumental in helping make the dream of having a Fisher House in Cleveland a reality. And thanks to his hard work and determination, TWO Fisher Houses were built here. We will be forever grateful for his service to our country and for his tremendous efforts for our military and veteran community and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends. May he rest in peace."
Besides his widow Beth, Sweeney is survived by sons Tuck and Connor. A celebration of life will take place on March 9 at Parker's Grille & Tavern in Avon Lake from 1-4 p.m., and the family is requesting donations in his honor be made to either the Fisher House or the Alzheimer's Association.