Stephentown- Ulysses Francis Sweener, Jr., 85, passed away on December 22, 2015, embraced by his family who loved him dearly, while in Hospice Care at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy, NY. Known as “Jr.” or “Junnie” by everyone, he exhibited his zest for life until called home by his Creator.
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Ulysses was born in Stephentown on July 15, 1930, the fifth born child of Elizabeth Travis and Ulysses Pascale Sweener, Sr. “Junnie” was one of eight siblings who lived and worked on the family farm in Stephentown.
In his mid-twenties, Junior met and married Roseanna Ruth (Williams) on September 4, 1955 They celebrated 60 years of marriage just a few months ago. Along with his devoted and caring wife, Ulysses will be deeply missed by his three children; Bernard F. Sweener (Kelly) of Troy, Ronald G. Sweener (Leslie Norris) of Stephentown, and Tina M. Kroboth (Dave) of New Lebanon. Known as “Poppy,” by all his grandchildren he was the proud grandfather of Jessica Dikeman (Stratton), Nicole Sweener (Peter Furlani), Damon Kroboth, and Dustin Sweener, all who love him dearly. His great-grandchildren include Ryley and Jocelyn Dikeman, and Darian Peter Furlani, all who will truly miss “Poppy.”
Junior had a special friend and neighbor, Art Sousa, with whom he spent a great deal of time. Both could be found cutting wood, repairing small engines, changing tractor tires, or relaxing inside the garage (where “Junnie” had an open door policy). Their most favorite site was the picnic table, which sat on the property line between each of their homes. With umbrella opened and lawn chairs around, both men would sit enjoying their beverages and cigarettes.
More than anything else, Junior enjoyed fixing things and helping others. Junior carried out the same motto as his father, Ulysses Sr., “when in trouble call Ulysses P. Sweener.” His wife Roseanna liked to put jigsaw puzzles together and Jr. would build frames for them.
Besides his parents and many friends, Ulysses is pre-deceased by his siblings, Blanche Toolan, Leo Sweener, Phyllis Hoffman, and Donald Sweener. Surviving him are siblings Lawrence Sweener (Theresa), Stella Hoffman, and Ruth Rieger, all of Stephentown. His brother-in-law, Charles Hoffman and sister-in-law, Linda Sweener, also survive Junior. With over 100 nieces and nephews, the helping hand of their “Uncle Junnie” will be missed.
After years of farming work experience, Junior went to work for the Nancy Shoe Company (Hoosick Falls). Not long after that, he joined a local carpenter’s union (Troy) where he was employed for a few years. Ralph Chittenden employed Jr. as a mason/carpenter for many years. Junnie walked to work when McClintock Chevrolet employed him as a mechanic. His next interest was self-employment as a carpenter in the community, where he remodeled apartments, built garages and additions, and did a great deal of masonry work. Like his father, Junior took on the responsibility as being the caretaker of many newly built summer homes outside of town.
Junnie was a man with a big, strong heart, who lived for the simple things in life. He gave and received love from his spouse and family members. Junior would exhibit his love for others by rebuilding a small engine for them, replacing brakes on their automobile, or building a large-scale model home, as he did for one of his grandchildren. Rarely did he ever tell someone that he could not help him or her. If he did not know how to fix something, Junior would improvise until it worked. Over the years he had pets (too numerous to mention) who may have been wild when he met them, but soon after, were eating out of his hand.
The Sweener family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the nursing staff (especially 5th floor) at St. Mary’s Hospital, who provided excellent and relentless care for Junior. Along with the hospitalists, nurses’ aides, and ICU personnel, our dad was made as comfortable as possible, like we were promised.
If an ailment had Junnie limited and you asked him “How do you do it?” his reply was always, “You just keep going.” And that is what he did right up to his last day, trying to get out of bed. He enjoyed his life so much, leaving this physical world was challenging. He was a practical jokester and his belly laugh was unmatched. If you heard it, you knew “Junnie” was around.
A Funeral Service was held on Sunday, December 27 at 3 pm at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home in Stephentown. Relatives and friends called at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make all donations in memory of Ulysses Sweener, Jr. to the Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit, www.parkerbrosmemorial.com.[/private]