Joseph Francis Sweeney

Joseph Francis Sweeney, Panther Valley High School teacher of 18 years, a resident of Summit Hill, Pennsylvania passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at St. Luke's Hospital Allentown Campus at 56 years of age surrounded by his family who will continue to live his legacy.

Born Tuesday, August 10, 1965 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania. Joe is survived by; mother, Carol (Walker) Krout of New Ringgold; daughters whom he adored, Kaitlyn M. Prentiss wife of Peter of Keaau, HI, Devan D. Zimmerman and her husband, Zachary of New Ringgold; brother, Shawn P. Sweeney and his wife Amy of New Ringgold; sisters, Jennifer Gowdy and her husband, Michael of Broomall, PA and Mary Frantz and her husband, Robert of Walker Township; seven nieces and many friends also survive Joe.

Joe was predeceased by his father, Joseph D. Sweeney.

A 1983 Tamaqua Area High School graduate, Joe served honorably in the United States Marine Corps as a Special Intelligence Communicator for 4 years. During his service, he received multiple honors including the rifle sharpshooter badge, pistol sharpshooter badge, Meritorious Mast, and multiple letters of appreciation. Upon his discharge, Joe returned home working for West Penn Construction, Prudential Insurance Co., and U.P.S. before entering Bloomsburg University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education.

Joe taught briefly in the Tamaqua Area and St. Clair School Districts before beginning his tenure at the Panther Valley School District in 2003. Currently Joe served as the Title 1 Math Teacher in the Intermediate school where he made a positive impact on many lives. Joe had coached varsity baseball for Tamaqua, coached football at Mahanoy Area and Panther Valley High Schools. An ardent fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, Joe was also a passionate Notre Dame football supporter. Joe was a member of the Summit Hill American Legion and a devoted member of the Schuylkill/Carbon Marine Corps League Detachment 626 having served as Past Commander. Joe volunteered many hours to the yearly Toys for Tots campaign and helped give local families a deserving Christmas.

For many years, Joe showed immense strength and courage through multiple cancer diagnoses and health issues. He lived his life for his daughters and demonstrated this through his courage to keep fighting. He was always proud to be a father of his two daughters, a Marine, and of his Irish heritage. Everyone who had the honor of meeting Joe knew he had a heart of gold.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

A Graveside Committal Service with Military Honors bestowed will be held on Monday November 1, 2021 at 3 o'clock P.M. from Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery located in Annville, Pennsylvania 17003.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to:
Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corp League
Attn: Cheryl Laub
25 Mantzville Road
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252

For those friends, family, and co-workers unable to attend Monday's Services at Ft. Indiantown Gap, the family will host a Celebration of Joe's Life on Thursday evening October 28, 2021 from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Batter's Box in Summit Hill.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com