Obituary of Philip J. Sweeney

Cohoes - Philip J. Sweeney, 63 of Cohoes, beloved husband of Deborah E. DeWire Pielo Sweeney, died suddenly Sunday, May 16, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital, in Troy after being stricken while playing softball. Born in Troy, he was son of the late Joseph and Jessie Butcher Sweeney. Phil married his beloved Deborah E. DeWire Pielo on June 12, 2004. He was a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College with a Associates Degree in Banking Insurance & Real Estate. After college he worked on his father's farm in Mechanicville for several years. He later worked at the Big N Sporting Goods Store in Saratoga Springs for several years. He then worked for the West Nesbitt Feed Store in Cobleskill for several years. He was currently a Sales Representative, employed by Whitman's Feed Store, Inc. in North Bennington, VT. Phil was an avid softball pitcher while at HVCC and beyond, pitching for numerous area teams throughout the capital region including MJ's, Dukes and Heflin Builders. Most notably he played on Pip's Athletic Lounge team and won the NYS modified State Championship in 2001. Survivors in addition to his wife include his loving children Shannon (Jimmy Tracy) Sweeney of Cohoes, Erin (Stephen) Sweeney McCarthy of Guilderland, his step children Gregory Pielo of Watervliet, Julie (Al) Pailley of Schenectady, his cherished granddaughter Lily Erin Tracy. His former wife Ginger Pratt of Stillwater, His brothers George (Leona) Sweeney and Timothy (Kathy) Sweeney both of Mechanicville, his sister Judy Thompson of Ballston Spa, also survived by his mother in law Evelyn DeWire of Clifton Park and several nieces, nephews, cousins and brother and sister in laws. Funeral services will be held on Thursday May 20, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. St. Ambrose Church, 347 Old Loudon Road, Latham where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions to The Lilly Erin Tracy education fund c/o The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home 149 Old Loudon Rd. Latham, NY 12110 would be appreciated. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery in Cohoes. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com