James J. Sweeney, 96, of Kingston
KINGSTON » James J. Sweeney, 96, of Kingston, N.Y., passed away Saturday, April 21, 2018, at Ten Broeck Commons in Lake Katrine, surrounded by his family.
He was born Feb. 22, 1922, in Kingston, to the late James and Katherine (Gilday) Sweeney.
He was married to his loving wife of 64 years, Eleanor, who entered her final rest on Aug. 12, 2017.
Jim was a graduate of Kingston High School, Pius X School of Music and Manhattanville School of Liturgical Music. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, in the Signal Corps as a communications specialist. During his time in the service, he was also a member of a band that provided musical entertainment for the officer’s club.
He was a well-known and accomplished musician, having played in local bands since his high school days. He taught music for over 65 years, having taught privately and at area schools. He had a strong faith, and served as music director for many churches, retiring from St. Joseph’s R.C. Church after 35 years of service. He had been a member of the Lions Club, having played in the “Roaring Pride” band, Kingston American Legion Post 150, the Knights of Columbus and the Kingston Local Musicians Union No. 518.
He is survived by his children, Linda Amos and her husband Glenn of Phoenix, Ariz., Robert Sweeney of Tampa, Fla., Kathleen Kabat and her husband David of Red Hook, Michael Sweeney and his wife Deanna of Saugerties; his grandchildren, Christine Oklan and her husband Ben, Daniel Geller, Jennifer Lamm and her husband Joshua, Danielle Frederickson, Taylor and Chase Kabat; his great-granddaughters, Grace and Eleanor Oklan; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his son, James Patrick Sweeney; his grandson, Matthew Sean Sweeney; brothers, John and Andrew Sweeney; and sisters, Marie Glass, Anna Scully and Rosella Bruck.
Entrusted to the care of A. Carr & Son Funeral Home, 65 Lucas Ave, Kingston, where family and friends may visit on Tuesday, April 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral procession will form on Wednesday, April 25, at 8:45 a.m. and proceed to St. Mary of The Snow Church, 36 Cedar St., Saugerties, N.Y. 12477, where at 10 a.m., a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in Hurley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary of the Snow - St. Joseph Music Ministry, 36 Cedar St., Saugerties, N.Y. 12477. To leave an expression of sympathy, please visit www.CarrandSonFuner-