Sweeney’s father dies

Robert Sweeney, Sr., the father of Senate President Steve Sweeney and a retired labor leader, passed away today.

“As the Sweeney family mourns the loss of their beloved father and grandfather, South Jersey workers mourn the passing of the last of the old guard of the building trades,” said Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden).  “Bob was a fair, but tough advocate for the ironworkers for over half a century, and he turned his small local into a true powerhouse. Bob was the longest-serving business manager in the history of the ironworkers, in elected office for 41 years. I’ve known Bob since I was a kid and he was always there with a smile and a joke; he will be missed by all of us.”

A viewing will be held on Tuesday from 5-9 PM at Christ Our Light Church, 402 Kings Highway North, Cherry Hill. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday at the same location.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Woodbridge) extended his condolences on behalf of the State Assembly.

“Robert was a champion of organized labor, working as vice-president of the New Jersey AFL-CIO and as the President & Business Manager of Local 399. His commitment to the working men and women of our state was certainly passed onto Steve and his family,” Coughlin said.  “His hard work and dedication to New Jersey and the labor movement will not be forgotten. Robert was a great example to us all.”

Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy also extended their best wishes to Sweeney.

“Steve has often spoken about how his upbringing was forged by the Labor movement and its values of hard work, responsibility, and fairness,” said Murphy. “As the longtime President and Business Manager of Local 399, Robert Sweeney was the embodiment of those values – and a true fighter for working men and women.”