John T. Sweeney

John T. Sweeney, age 65, of Bluffton, SC and formerly of Denville, NJ died Saturday, May 11, 2019 at home.

Mr. Sweeney was born on June 9, 1953 in Charlotte, NC the son of the late Daniel and Sally Sweeney. He attended Georgia Southern University where he pledged with the Sigma Pi Fraternity and later earned a degree in Urban Studies from Georgia State University. He ultimately earned his law degree from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, GA. While attending school, he worked in law enforcement with the Atlanta Police Department. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he began his hotel career as the Assistant Director of Security with the Hilton Atlanta. Completion of his JD degree, led to his management career with Hilton Hotels beginning as Executive Assistant Manager at Hilton Atlanta. His career continued as the Executive Assistant Manager of The Fontainebleau Miami Beach, as Resident Manager of several Hilton properties including, the Hilton Myrtle Beach, Hilton Palacio del Rio San Antonio, and Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, General Manager of the Hilton Newark Airport as well as the General Manager of the Millennium Hilton New York Downtown where he was working on the day of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. Before his health forced him to retire, John opened and managed The Westin New York at Times Square.

Outside of work, Jack, as he was known to family and friends enjoyed golfing, watching his Florida Gators football team, and being on or near the water. While able he was active advocating for Alzheimer’s research and public awareness in hopes future generations would not have to deal with this disease. He attended North Island Baptist Church.

He found joy in his grandchildren. He will be remembered by them for his unconditional love, his silliness and the time spent throwing footballs with him.

Mr. Sweeney is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Denise Wagner Sweeney, formerly of Rome, GA; daughters, Christy Bacon (Brian) and Jennifer Syno (Matt); siblings, James Sweeney (Maricela), Ann Marshall (Jim), and Dan Sweeney (Lisa); and grandchildren, Connor, Bryson, and Ashlynn Bacon as well as Braedon Syno.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, June 2, 2019 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910. The family will be receiving friends from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Immediately following the funeral service, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park, Bluffton, SC.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Walk to End Alzheimer's c/o Alzheimer’s Association, 2090 Executive Hall Road, Suite 130, Charleston, SC 29407

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