FITCHBURG – Robert J. “Bob” Sweeney Sr., born on Aug. 17, 1927, to John Reginald Sweeney and Nellie M. (McCloskey) Sweeney in Madison, died peacefully, surrounded by his wife and family, on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg.

Bob leaves behind his beloved Ann Marie (Masterson) Sweeney, whom he married 66 years ago on June 18, 1949, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Madison. He will also be missed by his faithful daughters, Janie Lynaugh and Mary Ann Sweeney, who lovingly cared for Bob in his later years. He is also survived by his sons and their spouses, Robert J. Sweeney Jr. (Joan) of Charlotte, N.C., Peter R. Sweeney (Orla Nallen) of Madison, Thomas R “Moe’ Sweeney (Jean Bennett) of Viola, and John J. Sweeney (Jenni Lilledahl) of Minneapolis, Minn. Bob was proud of his 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren who will miss their Papa. Bob is also survived by his sister, Rose Mann of New Berlin; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his children, Joseph John Sweeney and Susan Ann Sweeney; his father and mother-in-law, William Masterson and Bessie Masterson of Chicago; and his brothers, sister and their spouses, Vincent and Ruth Sweeney, Ray and Marian “Murph” Sweeney, Dick and Marie Sweeney, Mary Jane and John “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, and Dr. Dale Mann.

Bob enjoyed his entire life living in Madison/Fitchburg. He grew up on the family farm in Fitchburg on Syene Road and attended St. Raphael’s Grade School and Madison Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart. At Edgewood, Bob played on the 1945 state championship basketball team and the 1944 undefeated football team and was inducted into the Edgewood High School Hall of Fame. In his earlier years, Bob enjoyed softball and also played golf at Nakoma Country Club and Black Hawk Country Club. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church where he sang in the choir and later was active at St. James Catholic Church. He was also a member of The Knights of Columbus, Madison Elks Lodge 410, and Associated Milk Producers. Bob worked with his brothers at the family business, Automatic Temperature Supply, Inc., from 1945 until 1975. Throughout Bob’s life, he delighted in “making a deal” and was a successful commercial real estate and farming entrepreneur. Bob was known for his quick wit and enjoyed “stirring up the pot” with family and friends; creating laughter and good conservation.

A Remembrance will be held at JOYCE-RYAN Funeral Home, 5701 Odana Road, Madison, on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Bob’s life will be held at GOOD SHEPARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, at 2 p.m., with Monsignor Thomas Baxter presiding. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church. A private family burial service will be at Resurrection Cemetery immediately after the service, with Sr. Zita Simon CP. presiding. A luncheon will follow in the church lower level.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Agrace HospiceCare staff for their loving and dignified special care.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg; Porch Light, Inc., in Madison; Gilda’s Club, Twin Cities, Minn.; or Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart.

Robert Sweeney

August 17, 1927 - February 05, 2015

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