Obituaries

John Raymond “Jack” Sweeney

July 11, 1944 – March 17, 2024

John Raymond “Jack” Sweeney died at Agrace Hospice on March 17, 2024, at age 79, and Madison is just a little less bright because of it. In his typical style, he passed away on St. Patrick’s Day. He died peacefully with his family around him and Irish music in the background.

He was born on July 11, 1944, the second of 10 children – 9 boys and finally a girl. With the recent birth of a great niece, the immediate family now has 101 members. Jack loved being part of a big Irish family and took great pride in his Irish heritage. With Katie O’ Phelan, he started the Madison St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is now in its 24th year. Jack was proud to serve as the first Grand Marshall. In 1988, U.S. Senator Russ Feingold nominated Jack to serve as U. S. Ambassador to Ireland, but the President chose a friend from Montana instead, much to the relief of Jack’s wife.

Jack married the love of his life, Jodi Bender, on June 24, 2000.Together they have four children – two sons from Jack’s previous marriage, Sean (Kim) and Joseph (Kristen Radtke) and two from Jodi’s previous marriage, Lizzie (Jim Restis) and Chris. Jack shared a special bond with his grandchildren Reese and Mia, who were very dear to him. Together they enjoyed music, artwork, long conversations and exploring together in Jack’s room full of treasures. Jack is survived by his brothers Mike (Sally), Greg (Kenn), Dan, Mark (Karen), Patrick (Pamela), Brian, Joe (Nikki), and his sister Mary Beth (Dave Arnold), in-laws Tracey and Michael Armenakis and Lori and Kevin Hewitt, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Marian, his brother Tim (Ann) and his sisters-in-law Karla and Dana.

Jack graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1967 and from Notre Dame Law School in 1973. Anyone whoever saw his license plate knew that he was very proud of this. A portion of his undergraduate time was spent at Moreau Seminary. The years between undergraduate and law school included playing rugby for Catholic University in Chile and working with underprivileged children in Michigan, Chile and Puerto Rico. From 1973 – 1976 he worked as an attorney with the Chicago Legal Assistance Foundation on the West side of Chicago providing legal services for indigent civil matters. He also taught elementary school in this neighborhood before going to law school. The area is now known as Bucktown, where Jack and Jodi’s daughter now lives. From 1976-1979 Jack was a senior trial attorney with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, enforcing the Title VII employment discrimination laws throughout the Midwest.

In 1979, Jack returned to Madison to work with the Attorney General’s office until 1987. He then joined Melli, Walker, Pease and Ruhly and was a partner until he returned to the Department of Justice as Assistant Attorney General until he retired. His vision of advocacy in government service stems from his solid moral commitment to fostering justice and equality.

Jack loved being a lawyer and was honored for practicing law for 50 years. He served on the Board of Directors of the Dane County Bar Association for almost 25 years and served as President from 2006-2007. He was honored with the Harvey L. Wendel Award for exemplary service to the legal profession and the community. He provided much encouragement and support to DCBA’s Joe Melli Mentorship Program, taking over from Joe as co-chair with Josh Kindkeppel in 2009. He had a passion for mentoring new lawyers through pro bono work, community involvement and lifetime learning, using the mantra “Mentor Like a Champion”.

Jack was a native Madisonian – the fifth generation of Sweeneys who settled in Fitchburg in 1849. He loved Madison and was involved in many community activities including starting the EdgeFest run with his brother Greg, the American Cancer Society Run/Walk with Greg and Jim Imhoff and serving on the board of the American Cancer Society. Jack also did many quiet anonymous acts that people never knew of but that gave him great joy. He always brought a soft touch, kindness, a dedication of service to the community, and love of family to the table. He always had a bit of history to share and a story on the tip of his tongue.

Jack had many, many good friends including the Boys of Summer (lately referred to as the Men of Autumn) and the Tertulians, all of whom were strong support as his health declined.

As anyone who knows him remembers, Jack was an avid baseball fan – serving as a Little League coach, attending Black Wolf and Miracle League of Dane County games, and many, many Cubs games. He was thrilled to be able to throw out the first ball at a Cub’s game (thanks Joe!). It was a lifetime highlight celebrated by many members of the family and friends.

A visitation will be at Holy Wisdom Monastery, 4200 Co Hwy M, Middleton on Thursday, April 4 from 4:30 – 7:00. A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at the Monastery on Friday, April 5 at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to:

Andean Health in support of Dr. David Gaus’ amazing work in Ecuador; Jack was a huge fan https://www.andeanhealth.org/donate-to-ahd/

Agrace Foundation which gave Jack kind and thoughtful care for the last 6 days of his life https://www.agrace.org/donate/

or the charity of your choice

As the Irish prayer says, Jack is now in the palm of God’s hand. He will be missed by many.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257