John Joseph “Jackie” Sweeney, Sr., 80, of Galveston, passed away Monday, January 16, 2006, at Allen Parish Hospital in Kinder, Louisiana.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am, Friday, January 20^th, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hitchcock.  Burial will follow the service at Galveston Memorial Park. 

The family will receive visitors after 5:00 pm, Thursday, January 19^th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home.  A rosary will be held at 7:00 pm. 

Jackie was born September 28, 1925 and was proud to be born and live his life on Galveston Island.  He considered it the ‘luck of the Irish’ to be born on his paternal Grandfather’s and Grandmother’s birthdays, as well as having his son born on the same date.  Jack attended St. Patrick Catholic School and went on to serve three years in the Merchant Marines.  He then worked for many years as a foreman for Galveston County Precinct 2.  Jackie went into business for himself, owning Texaco stations on Galveston Island, with his main business being on Ferry Road.  After selling his service stations, Jackie brought his years of experience to Cunningham’s Mobile at 35^th and Seawall.  Jackie retired from UTMB in 1992 to enjoy his hobbies of woodworking and painting.  Many residents enjoyed visiting him as he worked in his garage on 46^th and O ½. 

Jackie was preceded in death by his parents, James Joseph Sweeney and Anita Marie Junker Sweeney, as well as a sister, Bridget “BeBe” Sweeney and a set of twin children. 

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia Lucinda Sweeney; son, John Joseph “JoJo” Sweeney, Jr.; daughter, Wanda Faye Knotts and husband, James; sisters, Willie A. “Billie” Bauer and husband, Bob; Sandra Oliver and husband, Jack; and Ruth Soler and husband, Richard; brothers, Patrick Lee Sweeney; and Marion Douglas “BoBo” Sweeney; grandchildren: Tammy L. Hunt, Joyce R. Vanderhoef, Chrissy Ann Sweeney, Melissa Claunch, James Daniel Knotts, Misty N. Sweeney, Sean P. Sweeney; great grandchildren: Terry, Erica, Ryan, and Jenny Vanderhoef; Ashlyn Guidry; and Lauren Claunch; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

Pallbearers will be Norman Bradley, Eddie Grady, Eric Vanderhoef, Terry Vanderhoef, Jack Oliver, and Richard Soler. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Marion Douglas “BoBo” Sweeney, Pat Sweeney, Bob Bauer, Donnie Gilley, John David Gilley, and George Jackson.