New York J 1412: Mourning the death of the Honorable John W. Sweeny Jr., distinguished citizen, judge, and devoted member of his community

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J01412 Summary:

BILL NOJ01412 

&nbsp

SAME ASNo Same As

&nbsp

SPONSORHARCKHAM

&nbsp

COSPNSR

&nbsp

MLTSPNSR

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&nbsp

Go to top J01412 Actions:

BILL NOJ01412 

&nbsp

01/12/2026REFERRED TO FINANCE

01/21/2026REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION

01/21/2026ADOPTED

Go to topJ01412 Committee&nbspVotes:

Go to topJ01412 Floor&nbspVotes:

There are no Assembly votes for this bill in this legislative session.

Go to topJ01412 Text:

Senate Resolution No. 1412

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

 MOURNING the death of the Honorable John W. Sweeny
 Jr., distinguished citizen, judge, and devoted
 member of his community

 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

 WHEREAS, The Honorable John W. Sweeny Jr. of Putnam County, New
York, died on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the age of 76; and

 WHEREAS, A man of extraordinary intelligence, integrity, and quiet
grace, John W. Sweeny Jr., was born to late Justice John W. Sweeny Sr.
and the late Isabel Sweeny; and

 WHEREAS, John W. Sweeny Jr. earned his A.B. in government from the
University of Notre Dame and received his J.D. from Fordham University
School of Law, where he would later serve on the Alumni Board; and

 WHEREAS, John W. Sweeny Jr. distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

 WHEREAS, After beginning his legal career in private practice, John
W. Sweeny Jr. joined the Putnam County District Attorney's Office as
administrative assistant district attorney, subsequently serving as
confidential law secretary to two Supreme Court Justices; and

 WHEREAS, After demonstrating his abilities, skill, and knowledge,
John W. Sweeny Jr. was elected as Putnam County Court Judge, where he
dealt with cases in the Family, Criminal, Surrogate, and Supreme Courts;
and

 WHEREAS, In 2000, John W. Sweeny Jr. was elected as Justice of the
New York State Supreme Court, serving as the Senior Resident Justice for
Putnam County; and

 WHEREAS, In 2004, John W. Sweeny Jr. was appointed as Associate
Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department by New York State
Governor Pataki; he made history by being the first Putnam County judge
to sit in that court; and

 WHEREAS, New York State Governor Paterson made John W. Sweeny Jr. a
Constitutional Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, and
he won re-election to the Supreme Court in 2014 and was later
re-appointed to the Appellate Division by New York State Governor Cuomo;
and

 WHEREAS, Outside the courtroom, John W. Sweeny Jr. was an active
member in his community and engaged in various types of charitable work,
such as volunteering at the Putnam 4-H Fair and Holiday on the Lake,

serving as president of the Putnam County chapter of the American Cancer
Society, and sitting on the Putnam Arts Council board; and

 WHEREAS, As a proud Irish-American, John W. Sweeny Jr. co-founded
the Putnam County Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and served as Grand
Marshal of the Putnam-Northern Westchester St. Patrick's Day Parade; and

 WHEREAS, John W. Sweeny Jr. was a member of several professional
organizations such as the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and
he served in leadership roles within the New York State Bar Association,
the Association of Family Court Judges, and various state commissions
aimed at improving various aspects of the court system; and

 WHEREAS, For his distinguished service to New York State and his
local community, John W. Sweeny Jr. was honored with several awards,
including the U.S. Army Reserve Employer Support Award from the
Department of the Army, the Society of Irish American Lawyers 2020
Distinguished Achievement Award, and the Distinguished Service Award by
the Stephen P. Driscoll Lodge of New York State Fraternal Order of
Police; and

 WHEREAS, Most recently, John W. Sweeny Jr. was recognized as a
"Living Landmark of Putnam County" due to his lifelong contributions to
the community and his historical achievements; and

 WHEREAS, John W. Sweeny Jr.'s commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic end