Charles F. Sweeney

Charles Francis Sweeney, 92, formerly of Penn Yan, N.Y., and Frederick, Md., died Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at MedStar Medical Center in Olney, Md., after a brief illness.

Born in 1932, Charles was the son of Lucy and Joseph Sweeney. He was raised on the family farm near Quaker Lake, Pa. He was a graduate of Montrose High School. After service in the U.S. Navy, Charles studied at N.Y. State College in Delhi, N.Y.

Upon graduation, he took a job with Eastern Crown Inc., a dairy supply business based in Vernon, N.Y. His 35-year career in sales took him to farms, milk plants, agricultural businesses, and chocolate factories in virtually every city and town across a multi-state territory.

In the course of these travels, he had the good fortune of being introduced to Dorothy Owens. They wed in 1961 at St. Michael’s Church in Penn Yan. After living for a time in Geneva, N.Y., the couple moved to Flynn Road in Penn Yan to a house that would serve as the family home for the next four decades.

Faith was a central aspect to his daily life. Charles was an active parishioner at St. Michael’s, serving as lector and Eucharistic minister. He read any newspaper within reach, was known to enjoy a pre-dinner Manhattan, and was a joyful and hospitable host.

Charles and Dorothy moved to Frederick, Md., in 2001. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and Elks.

In addition to his wife of 62 years, Charles leaves three sons: Gregory and his wife, Deborah; Daniel, and his wife, Terry; and Philip and his wife, Jennifer; and a daughter, Maureen Porter, and her husband, David. He took particular joy in his 12 grandchildren: Patrick, Benjamin, Jenna, Emily, Alex, Nicholas, Timothy, Kate, Matthew, Brian, Megan, and Aden. He was predeceased by a sister, Marie Sweeney, and two brothers, Walter and the Rev. Robert Sweeney.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m. at St. Timothy Church, in Walkersville, Md.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Michael’s School, 214 Keuka St., Penn Yan, N.Y., 14527.