Saying Goodbye to an Inspiring Danville Character

May 7, 2013

A loving, unique character that had the gift to inspire the people around him.

That was the theme heard over and over again as family members eulogized Joseph F. McSweeny of Danville at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church on Friday.

After suffering an accidental head injury about a month ago, McSweeny, who cherished his Irish heritage, died on St. Patrick's Day Saturday. He was 50.

"If someone else had died tragically in our parish, Joe would be here supporting the family," Father Gerald Moran said. "Joe was one of the great bright lights of the St. Isidore community."

Born in Sacramento, McSweeny was the youngest of five brothers. He attended Catholic school from his childhood through his time in college at the University of San Francisco, where he was a collegiate athlete.

He worked as a business development manager with American Asphalt Company in Hayward and was active in several trade and professional associations.

The husband and father of four was well-known in the area, being active in church groups, youth sports and at De La Salle High School.

McSweeny's reach in the community was clear at his funeral service. There weren't enough pews to hold the people who wanted to show their respects, as much of the crowd stood during the two-hour ceremony.

McSweeny's four brothers and three sons described a man that had an infectious sense of humor, never shied away from a good party and loved sports, food, friends and family.

"Joe inspired all of us in a different way," McSweeny's brother Brian said. "Joe had the ability to inspire the masses."

Along with his brothers and sons, McSweeny is survived by his wife Cathy, daughter Megan and sisters Carol Ryan and Kathy Perazzo.