Leroy J. Sweeney, 80

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  • Leroy J. Sweeney, 80
    Leroy J. Sweeney, 80
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Leroy J. Sweeney, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away surrounded by loved ones on December 5, 2020. He was 80 years old.

Leroy was born in Presho, SD on January 21, 1940 to Sylvester and Veronica (Jacoby) Sweeney. He was the youngest of nine children. He graduated from Presho High School in 1958 and spent a semester at Southern State Teachers College. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Helen. The two were married in Pierre, SD on June 3, 1961.

Leroy spent most of his career as an Ironworker – the early years were spent traveling to many different states wherever the work was needed. The couple resided in Wyoming, Nebraska, North Dakota, California, and Minnesota. In 1967, they relocated to Denver, CO permanently with their two small children.

In his spare time, Leroy enjoyed gardening and sharing his homegrown crop with family and friends. He also was an excellent handyman and self-taught himself just about anything he needed to learn (way before the days of You Tube videos). If you needed help with anything around your house, you could count on Leroy to get the job done!

He retired in 2003 and enjoyed his time by tinkering around the house and watching reruns of western TV shows (Gunsmoke and Bonanza being his favorites), and rooting for his favorite football team, the Denver Broncos.

Leroy had very fond memories of growing up in Presho and would often tell family and friends of life growing up on the farm. Those were very special times for him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Sylvester Jr., Patricia, Martha, Michael, Paul, Dolores, and Lawrence. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Helen, his children, Michele, Rodney, and Nicole, his grandchildren Kyle, Cody, Cameron, Jessica, and Rachel, his brother Jerry, and many nieces and nephews.

He will be greatly missed by all!