Thomas (Tom) Verlyn Sweeney, 78, passed away on December 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Born on June 24, 1947, Tom was the eldest of four children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Verlyn F. Sweeney and Barbara (Ast) Sweeney, as well as his brother Terry Sweeney. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Jolyn Hillstrom Sweeney. Also survived by his sister, Robin Fleury (John) and his youngest brother, Todd Sweeney (Mary), his sister-in-law Mary K Sweeney, his daughter, Jessica Tormey (Adam) and his son, Jason T Sweeney. Tom was loving grandfather to Odessa, Erin and Will Tormey as well as to Brandon Sweeney. Known lovingly as “Uncle Duct Tape” to his nieces and nephews. Further survived by great-nieces and great-nephews, additional family and friends.

Tom was a lifelong resident of Madison, Wisconsin where he attended Madison West High School having just celebrated his 60th class reunion. He then attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. Tom spent the majority of his career working for the City of Madison in Information Technology. After his retirement, he enjoyed working seasonally at H&R Block for another 18 years.

Tom was a lifelong enthusiast of cars and motorcycles and an avid reader of SciFi novels. He and his wife, Jolyn enjoyed camping, canoeing and exploring in northern Wisconsin and Canada. Tom was an avid sports fan, being a long-time season ticket holder for amateur baseball at Warner Park from the Muskies to the Mallards. He’s a lifelong UW Badger Football and Basketball, Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. Tom also volunteered for over 20 years with Fishing Has No Boundaries, which provides outdoor fishing opportunities for people with disabilities.

The family would like to give special thanks for the excellent care provided by the ICU staff of the Meriter Hospital in Madison.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 24, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Fishing Has No Boundaries (Madison Chapter) at 1618 Mayfield Lane, Madison, WI 53704.

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257

Thomas "Tom" Sweeney

June 24, 1947 - December 26, 2025

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