Obituary of John F. Sweeney

John F. Sweeney, age 95, died on September 4, 2017 at Villa Marie Claire surrounded by his family.  He was born in Bronx, NY and had resided in Ridgewood before moving to Waldwick 15 years ago. John was Vice President for Butterick/Vogue patterns.  Before retiring in 1982, he had a long career in the fashion/home sewing industry.  He represented Simplicity patterns in the mid-west, in the late 40’s, then moved on to Butterick Company where he was appointed general manager of the Canadian division.  A few years later he was transferred to the New York Headquarters and shortly thereafter, named Vice President of Sales.  He traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and on specific assignments in Brazil, Japan, England and other countries.  He was President and member of the Board of Directors of the American Home Sewing Association and Treasurer and President of the National Notions Association.   He was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel RC Church, Ridgewood and most recently, St. Elizabeth RC Church, Wyckoff and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. In 1950 he married the love of his life, Marion Daly in St. Patrick’s Cathedral and together they had three children.  John is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Marion F. Sweeney of Waldwick, his son, and daughter in law, Dan and Jane Sweeney of Carmel, IN and a son in law, Peter Lodewick of Johns Creek, GA.  Also left to carry on John’s legacy are his five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  John was predeceased by his daughter, Elizabeth “Dede” Lodewick and a son and daughter in law, Jack and Donese Sweeney.    The family welcomes those who can attend, to join them at John’s Funeral Mass on Saturday, October 21, 2017, 9:30 AM at the Chapel of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel RC Church, 1 Passaic Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.  A reception will follow in the church social hall. As an expression of sympathy, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., 2121 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037-1830 or Multiple Sclerosis National Society, 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666.  Arrangements by the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481.