Ronald E. Sweeney, Sr.

Ronald Edward Sweeney was born July 7, 1917 at 3759 Wynkoop, Denver, Colorado. He was the second oldest son of 4 boys born to Delphia Mae Fling and Edward Joseph Sweeney. Ron's brothers, John, Raymond and Lee Sweeney preceded him in death.

Ron grew up in Denver's Washington Park neighborhood and for most of his childhood and teen years, lived with his brothers and parents on 508 S Vine St., Denver, Colorado. He graduated from South High School, where he was a member of the football and swim teams. Throughout Ron's teenage years, he was a member of the AAU swimming/diving team. As a diver he won many local and state events as a 3 meter and platform diver. He often dived and performed with famous divers, the most notable was actor Buster Crabb.

It was while participating in swim team events at Washington Park and Berkley Park lakes that Ron met his future wife and soul mate, Esta Leu Hefti. Esta Leu was also a member of the AAU swim team and won several medals for the long distance free style swimming events. Ron and Esta Leu were married June 15, 1940 in Denver. Ron and Esta had 3 fun-filled years together until Ron was called to the US Armed Forces to serve in the US Army with Company K, 135th Infantry Division, during World War II. He served from August, 1943 until December of 1946. He was on active duty from 1943 until June 1, 1944
when he was wounded in action at Anzio Beachhead, Anzio, Italy. Ron was awarded the Bronze Star, 2 Purple Hearts and the Good Conduct Medal. Ron returned to the US where he became employed as an auto parts salesman for Hendrie and Boldoff. He resigned from Hendrie and Boldoff and worked for the
City and County of Denver for a brief time. He then became employed by The Kuner Empson Co. of Brighton, Colorado. He worked for Kuners for approximately 30 years and retired from Kuners as Director of Purchasing in 1981.

After their retirement in 1981, Ron and Esta Leu enjoyed traveling throughout the US and Canada. They also enjoyed camping and fishing in the Colorado, Wyoming and Montana mountains.

Ron enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping, woodworking, Big Band Music (he often disparaged current music trends as not music!), photography but his love was in building and construction. He designed, planned and built 3 homes in his lifetime, the first, on 2820 Cook Street was built from the foundation to the roof by Ron's own hard work and expertise although he had the help of his wife, brothers and brother-in-law. At the age of 81, Ron and Esta Leu personally built a small structure on their mountain property.

Ron and Esta Leu were married for 62 years and had 3 children, LeuRonna (Daniel), Ronald Edward Sweeney, Jr (Jill) and Sharlene (Travis). Esta Leu preceded Ron in death on December 16, 2002. They were blessed with 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Ron passed away quietly at 10:55 A.M., December 10, 2008.

Ron was a loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was the Patriarch of our family and a true hero to all of us. He was deeply loved by all of our family and will be greatly and eternally missed; he will be carried in our hearts forever.