Lawrence Thomas Sweeney, 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday April 13, 2019 at his home in Haymarket Va. A proud New Yorker, Larry was born on December 6, 1938 in Manhattan to Francis and Marie (Mullaney) Sweeney. Although he lived most of his life in Smithtown, Long Island, Larry grew up in Brooklyn where he attended St. Augustine’s High School and St. Francis College. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Catharine Lynskey Sweeney, his adoring children Terence, Jennifer, and Carolyn, sister-in law Margaret Lynskey Grady, daughter and sons-in-law Jessica, John and Brian, nephew Christopher, niece Sarah, and the 14 apples of his eye, his 12 grandchildren John, Eamon, Kaitlyn, Dylan, Eileen, Owen, Kyle, Tara, Erin, Samantha, Shawn, and Emma, grand-niece Eva, and grand-nephew Sam. A gentle giant, Larry may have been taller than those around him, but he never looked down on anyone. His intelligence, perseverance, and quick wit drove his success as a Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Director of the Investigations Bureau of the New York State Banking Department, and the Director of Special Investigations of the National Football League. It was his self deprecating sense of humor and selflessness, however, that made him a treasured friend of so many. An avid fan of so many terrible Mets and Jets teams, Larry never lost hope and was always optimistically waiting ’till next year. It is in that spirit of always finding the joy in his surroundings that we will celebrate his life at the Pierce Funeral Home 9609 Center St. Manassas VA from 2pm – 4pm and 7pm – 9pm on Tuesday April 23, 2019. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday April 24, 2019 at 1030am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 8213 Linton Hall Rd, Gainesville VA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Larry’s name. He would have liked that.
