Obituary of Edward A. Sweeney, Sr.

Edward A. Sweeney Sr., of Vero Beach, Florida, and Westerly, Rhode Island, passed away on June 2, 2026, at home in Rhode Island with his cherished wife, Noreen, by his side.

Born in New York, New York, on April 16, 1932, Ed's family, faith, and work ethic were his North Star. He attended St. John's School in Kingsbridge, where he first met Noreen, and where their storied and beautiful life together began.

He started his career while in high school, working each afternoon at Royal Insurance after finishing his day at Cardinal Hayes High School. He went on to attend Manhattan College and served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Ticonderoga during the Korean War. His life was complete in 1955 when he married the true love of his life, Noreen, and she remained by his side, enjoying every aspect of their life together for more than 70 years.

His exceptional career as a respected insurance executive and man of principle allowed him to travel the world and build meaningful friendships with coworkers and clients alike. He spent nearly 60 years with Corroon & Black, later Willis Corroon, and retired in the early 2000s as Chairman of Willis New York.

Ed was first and foremost a man of integrity and generosity. His friends meant the world to him, and his business associates became lifelong friends. He cherished relationships with people from every chapter of his life. From the Bronx to Yorktown Heights and Bedford Hills, New York; Watch Hill, Rhode Island; and Vero Beach, Florida, he was beloved for his wit, positive outlook, and storytelling. His legendary New Year's Eve parties and nights spent on the screened-in-porch in Rhode Island were a cornerstone of many enduring friendships.

He was a dedicated supporter of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York, serving the Catholic Youth Organization, Inner-City Scholarship Fund and the Cardinals Committee of the Laity.  He was on the boards of Fidelis Care New York, and the American Health Foundation. He was a proud member of the American Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchers of Jerusalem and served as past president of the New York chapter of Legatus. He also enjoyed spending time with friends at the Watch Hill Yacht Club, The Moorings Yacht & Country Club in Vero Beach, and the Weekapaug Golf Club.

Ed's greatest success in life was his large and loving family. There was never enough room in the driveway at “Club Ed”, nor enough hours in the day to celebrate holidays together. Along with his children, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life and a profound source of love and pride, just as he was to them.

Ed is survived by his beloved lifelong partner and wife, Noreen; his children, Edward (Cathy), Deirdre Rolfes (Tim), Kenneth (Lesley), and Maura Sweeney; his grandchildren, Caitlin Rolfes Cahill (George), Edward Sweeney (Kearsley), Emery Sweeney Nicholas (James), Cara Sweeney Gilbride (Kyle), Denis Rolfes (Louise), Ryan Sweeney, Kendall Sweeney Gover (Brendan), Brett Sweeney (Katie), and Molly Sweeney and her fiancé, Jack Durkin; 12 great-grandchildren; and many adoring nieces and nephews.

Ed was predeceased by his parents, James and Florence Sweeney; his mother- and father-in-law, Denis and Molly Twomey; his brothers, Timothy, James, and Thomas; his sisters, Mary Bowe and Jeanne Sabatini; and many beloved in-laws and lifelong friends.

Ed was a great man, and anyone who knew him cannot imagine life without him. He will forever be remembered for his warm smile, wonderful sense of humor, and remarkable gift for connecting with people.

Family and Friends may call at Clark Associates Funeral Home, 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah, NY 10536 on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 3 to 7 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 11AM at St. Mary of the Assumption in Katonah, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Ed’s memory to the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement.