Pat, Alice, Daniel, and Colin, many thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Joe was such a remarkable and impressive young man in so many facets of life. He achieved so much in his short life, doing so with that quiet confidence.

Dear Pat and Family,

We are incredibly sorry for your loss and wish you comfort and healing during this difficult time. We are thinking of you and your family.

The Rubel Family (Ken Rubel)

Joseph was an outstanding young man and top drawer 4-H'er at the local and state level -. His mark has been made and he will be missed.

Pat and Bob Eddleman

Pat and Alice,

Our family has nothing but great memories with yours and we are so sorry for your loss and know words can't express this situation. We have been and will continue praying for you and your family.

I am so sorry to hear of Joseph's passing. He was such a young bright light to those who knew him. My heart goes out to the Sweeney family for their loss. Joseph and his family will be in my prayers. God Bless.

I have no words to express my heartfelt sorrow for Alice, Pat, Daniel and Colin. I just watched Joseph’s funeral remotely and was so touched by Daniel and Colin. Also Fr. Paul had just the right words. God love and bless you all.

Joseph was a genuine and humble leader who we can all still learn from. I will continue to pray for your family.

My heart aches for you all. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Joseph, like all of your sons, was a fine young man, bright and giving. He will be missed.

The Sweeney Family,

I am incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Joseph… the Dever family and I express our deepest condolences and our prayers are with you during this time. Joseph was not only an incredible son/brother, but a paragon of a true friend and classmate. He was the most humble, intelligent, athletic, and quick-witted person… truly an accomplished man. Throughout my 13 years of school with him through St. Christopher and Cardinal Ritter, I have many fond memories. From grade school basketball at St. Chris with Pat as our head coach, to Junior High Football when I joined for 1x year and I was the smallest on the team… of course Joseph was one of the biggest and could easily reach an arm out during a ‘hamburger’ drill and stop me in my tracks. I remember through classes at Ritter, Joseph was always the most calm and composed member… nothing intimidated him and he was so eager to learn… although he honestly already knew the items before they were taught. As he often would read the course material weeks in advance and was able to teach/understand everything himself. That is a true testament to his academic excellence and the qualities that you as his parents and brothers helped instill in him. He may have seemed quiet to some, but if you were able to sit-next to him or get to know him… you would quickly realize his sense of humor. Later in high school classes, I remember him showing me the games he was able to get on his graphing calculator and even one he was able to create/code somehow… he grabbed a cable and connected it from his calculator to mine and sent them over (of course only to be used during free time and study hall). Ironically enough they were Texas Instrument (I believe TI-84) calculators… of which he went on to intern for the company. He was on my Cardinal Ritter ‘Live the 4th’ retreat and on the same Track and Field team for years. I remember hanging out in the infield during long meets, accompanied by many other teammates and friends (David/Gabby, Taylor S, Claire S, Kristin G, Derek M, Abigail I, Stewart G, Jordain G etc). I feel truly blessed that I was able to have as much time as I did with your son, and I will always cherish those special memories… he may not have known it at the time, but he truly set the example for so many people, including me.

- Chris

Alice,my heart aches knowing about the recent passing of your son. Although I didn't meet Joseph, I have only heard incredible things about him. I am thinking of you, family and friends during this difficult time. Please accept my respect and deepest sympathies. You, Pat, Daniel and Collin are in my prayers.

Xiomara ❤️

4-H Family

Pat, Alice, Daniel and Collin,

My heart breaks for you. Joseph was such a fine man with many talents. I tried to visit with you during the virtual visitation last night, but was unable to get in before I had to sign off for another meeting. I'm sorry I can't tell you in person how deeply saddened I was to learn of Joseph's passing. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers daily.

Karen King

Pat & Alice,

We were so deeply saddened to learn of Joseph’s passing. We are holding you close to our hearts in prayer during this most difficult time.

Craig & Jen Cleveland and Family

Alice,

Please know that your Indiana 4-H family is thinking of you during this difficult time. I had hoped to see you at the virtual visitation, but wasn’t able to get into the zoom room. We appreciate all you do for 4-H youth!

Wishing you peace,

Shelly Bingle

Indiana 4-H Foundation

An honor to have had the opportunity to know a young man with such high character. Prayers for the family may god be with each of you through this difficult time.

Randy DeGolyer

Such sad news. Joseph was one of the best kids that I had the privilege to coach. Great young man and a great loss. I am praying for the Sweeney Family and Joseph.

Spencer King

Pat and Family,

There aren’t adequate words. My sincere condolences. My family and I will hold you all in our prayers.

Molly Harrison

Pat & Alice Sweeney

My sincere heart felt sympathy. Such a handsome & successful young man. He will always make you proud.

Hugs and prayers!

Pat & Family,

We were so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Mark & Leslie Wilson

Pat and Family,

I know words can not express what you are going through now. I'm so sorry for your loss. We have been and will continue praying for Joseph and your family.

-Tim Unton

There’s only one way to describe Joe, a “true gentleman”. Praying for you.

I'm deeply saddened by this terrible loss, my thoughts are with you. Joseph was the best coworker a team could ever dream of. He was extremely talented, kind and fun, and everybody learned from working with him. I certainly did.

Joseph organized a monthly board game with teammates which some of us loved. He used to win often, even at games he had never played before. Regardless, we all had a great time with him, he was such a joy. We will truly miss him.

Joseph made time for everyone. We all benefited from it. I have a memory from the hectic weeks right before our high school graduation. Instead of working on his own projects or finalizing his salutatorian speech, Joseph spent a night just helping classmates prepare for their dual credit calculus exam.

I'm thankful for all the times we hung out over the years: joking around in school clubs as kids, talking about indie video games as teens, watching bad movies and playing party games as adults.

I know he cared deeply for his family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jonathan Warner

From the Hurley Family:

Pat, Alice, Daniel and Collin,

We have very fond memories of our boy playing together in their younger years. We telephoned Matthew to tell him of Joseph’s passing. No words can express how very sorry we are of your / our loss of Joseph. Please know of our prayers for your entire family.

Sweeney family,

Joseph was a good friend and will be greatly missed. A few of my favorite memories include lunchtime at Ritter and going on summer field studies after graduation. We went on many incredible hikes and topped some mountains together. I will never forget these great times we had together. I am praying for you during this difficult time.

Taylor Schepers

Pat & Family,

My thoughts are with you during this time of deep loss. Words just can't express the sympathetic feeling i wish to convey.

We are so sorry about the passing of Joseph. Prayers for your family.

Johnny and Teresa Parsons

I am deeply saddened by the news of Joseph's passing. He will truly be missed. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Pat, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your son. My heartfelt thoughts go out to you and your family in this time of sadness. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Alice & Pat, I have no words, I can’t begin to imagine the deep loss and sadness you feel. I will be praying for you & sending you love. May you find some peace in Psalm 23, knowing he is “dwelling in the house of the Lord Forever.”

I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing.

I enjoyed him when he was in band.

The Family will be in my Rosary Prayers in the morning

We are so sorry to hear of Joseph's passing...so young. Pam and I have you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Our sincerest and most heartfelt thoughts and condolences to you all. I scarce dare bring myself to imagine such a loss and, though I never knew Joseph directly, if he'd taken anything from his old man along the way he can only be a genuine, honest and thoroughly decent chap. I know you'll all be there for each other in this impossibly difficult time.

Take care.

Pete Beecroft and family.

When I think of Jospeh, these are a few of the words that come to mind: compassionate, warm, helpful, accommodating, and considerate. I will always remember how kind and genuine he was. I specifically remember us being in the same group for “We The People”, he was always so helpful to explain the material, and was such a leader. I remember the laughs we all shared as a group. Everyone will always remember his kind soul.

I send my thoughts and condolences to your family. I wish your family peace and comfort during this time.

Sincerest Sympathy,

Yasmeen Tevis

I have many memories of spending my afternoons with the Sweeney boys and my own three brothers carpooling home from school. I remember lots of laughs on our drives home.

Joe was the most kind-hearted, smart, humble individual and it was a true privilege to know him. Mr. & Mrs. Sweeney, Daniel and Collin: I know Joe is watching over you in heaven. You are in my constant thoughts and prayers.

Dear Sweeney Family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending our love to you all.

Chris Banham

Sweeney Family,

Your family is in our prayers. I will put a special petition request at the Catholic Church service here at Fort Bragg! I know Joseph is in Heaven looking down upon us. May God give you comfort and peace.

I was not very close to Joseph in high school, but we both were in band and brain game together (the brain game/trivia wiz kid!) He was always so kind, quiet and introspective. I am so sorry to hear of this loss and cannot imagine how his family feels, but I do believe Joseph is in Heaven and will always be with all of his family members- many thoughts and prayers to you all

Joseph exuded joy and good nature every time we saw him at the state fair. Our hearts go out to you all as you cherish your memories and comfort one another. Know you are loved and prayed for often.

Pat, Alice, Daniel and Collin-

We know there are no words to ease your loss. We humbly offer thoughts and prayers for God to wrap you in his loving arms and comfort you through family and friends.

The Dever family

One of the greatest football teammates that you could ever have. A great student-athlete. The Campbell family sends our condolences. The Sweeney family is in our prayers.

I remember carpooling with Joe and the Sweeneys for school and after football practice since we lived so close. He was such a smart, funny, and respectable classmate and teammate. I knew he'd go on to do great things. The Mallory family is thankful for the kindness the Sweeneys showed to us all those years ago and you will all be in our prayers.

Sweeney Family

Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time.

God Bless

Karen Christensen

Sweeney family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Joseph that well, but he was my retreat partner and he was so kind and so smart. I hope you find peace and know that he will always be with you in spirit. Our family is praying for you and your family.

The greenan family

To the Sweeney family,

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you're all in our prayers.

Mary Lang

Dear Sweeney family,

I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Joseph. He was such an outstanding young man, in and out of the classroom. I hope that our Lord brings you all the much-needed peace during this sad time. Joseph and the entire Sweeney family are in my prayers. My condolences to you all.

Peace,

Sam Cavanaugh

I am so sorry for the loss. Joseph was an incredible colleague and he will truly be missed. My most sincere condolences.

Dear Pat, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your son. Words cannot express what you all must be feeling. I hope you can find some small comfort with friends and family as every remembers you son.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your son had such an incredible personality and spirit. He will be missed by many people. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Dear Pat and Alice, Daniel and Collin,

We are so sorry. Our hearts break for you.

May the love of Joseph's teachers and friends

surround you and embrace you.

I'm looking at Joseph's 2010 freshmen theology seating chart

and remembering he was surrounded by classmates:

Robbie Hagan, Jalen Morales-Chandler, Austin Woods,

Sean Courtney, Michael Arnould, Michael Hanley, Seth Bratton, and

Jose Hernandez...across the room were Christin Rollett,

Mollie Rader, Kayla Purichia, Adrianne Damler, Rachel Endres,

Jordain Graff, Chelsea Boyce and Sydney Cmehil, Kristen Gossman...

We love you and are praying with you...and through the sorrow and grief...also thanking God for the gift of Joseph Sweeney.

Eternal rest grant unto him O LORD, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Amen.

Pat, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son! I am saddened with you and I am praying for you and your family. - Russell White

Dear Pat, Our hearts are very sad. I learned how proud you are of all of Joseph's accomplishments one time when you allowed yourself to take a few minutes during our lunch to talk about Joe being a Presidential Scholar in Electrical Engineering at Purdue. We touched on how children grow up excelling in Indiana High Schools and earning national accolades. You are rightfully so proud of all that Joseph accomplished in his life. I pray and am sure you will find the strength to keep going strong with your dedication towards science, safety and students. Best regards, jay Gore

So sorry for your loss I can't imagine how hard this must be you and your family are in our prayers my deepest condolences.

Our hearts are extremely saddened to have learned of the unexpected passing of Joseph. May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus during this time. Our prayers are with you.

-The Myer Family

(Joe Myer)

This very sad news was shared with me by a Purdue collaborator. I am very very sorry to hear this. The fact that it was unexpected must have made this very hard to process. My deepest condolences to you, Pat, and your family. Carlo

Pat & family,

I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this difficult time.

Our most heartfelt sympathy to all of you on Joseph’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. This is something we will have a hard time understanding. Always enjoyed seeing him in church. Thanks for sharing your beautiful family with us.

Such a talented and handsome person. He accomplished so much in his life. Lyn, Blair and I offer our prayers and hope you are comforted in knowing all of the Miller family is thinking of you at this time. (Alice's cousin Leo)

There are no words that can bring peace to your soul during this time.

May God's grace embrace you and your family at this painful moment and give you comfort as you mourn the untimely death of your child, Joseph.

Know that we are here for anything that you may need in the days, months and years to come.

Our deepest condolences,

The Metallic family~

Joe and Donna

What a wonderful angel heaven now has. I will always remember Joseph and Alexander standing on the sidelines of the football games...Joseph looking way down and Alexander looking way up as they talked.

I’ll never forget the time in practice when he messed up a block, this was like during 2 a days, and coach had him walk through it to come block me at Corner. He was about two steps away from me when I realize he wasn’t slowing down and I had to get out of dodge before he steam rolled me. He always put out 100%

Joseph and I went all through grade school and high school in the same class. He and I were never that close, but we played football together throughout our years. He was an incredible teammate, student, and person. I loved every play call that I was able to lineup next to him so I could ask him my blocking assignment. Most of the time I didn't know and knew he would point me in the right direction. I'll never forget looking over and seeing Joe win the Phil N. Eskew mental attitude award after losing in the state championship our senior year. I was so happy for him as nobody else deserved that award more than he did. Alice, Pat, Daniel, Colin, and all family, I am incredibly sorry for your loss. You are all in the Hagan family's prayers.

Joseph may have been a quiet individual, but he was such a remarkable young man. He was so bright and talented, and he was involved in so much. He will be greatly missed. To his family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you the strength you need during this time. He will be missed by us all.

Liz and Mike Ramos

I remember Joseph came to bible study once a week at Saint Christopher during his lunch and recess. He was so faith filled even as a young boy. I know God welcomed his good and faithful servant home with open arms. Alice, Pat and family, we are so sorry. You will all be in our prayers for some time.

Teri and Phil Carson