Leo J. Sweeney

Age 83 of Wilmington

Passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026, at the age of 83.

Born on June 27, 1943, in Wilmington, Delaware, Leo was the beloved son of the late Leo J. Sweeney and the late Isabel (Moore) Sweeney. He spent his childhood cherishing growing up in Wilmington alongside his brother Joe, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Leo was a proud graduate of St. Elizabeth Grade School and Salesianum High School. He attended the University of Delaware and worked for Brooks Armored Car as a young man. Leo soon found his calling and dedicated himself to serving others through his career with the City of Wilmington Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant retiring in 2009.

Throughout his life, Leo held a deep love for football. As a high school player in the 1961 Blue Gold Game and then for 40 years as referee for high school games, he imparted his passion for the sport to younger generations. He was also passionate about sharing in his Irish heritage and was a proud member of the Irish Culture Club of Delaware.

Leo was a devoted husband to his wife, Eileen, with whom he shared 48 years of countless joyful moments. Whether traveling the world, enjoying their time together at their North Wildwood home, or working side by side at Sweeney Irish Imports, Leo found true happiness in every shared experience with Eileen.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen; his brother, Joe; sister-in-law; Regina; niece, Debbie; sister-in-law, Annamay Claffey; and sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Harry Seaberg.

Leo is survived by his beloved niece, Kathleen Myers (Brian); his goddaughter, Kate Sweeney (Dave Simmons); his great nieces, Mackenzie and Jacqueline, and his great nephew, Andrew. He is also survived by a loving extended family who will remember him with great affection.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, September 29 at 11:00am at St. Elizabeth R.C. Church, 809 S. Broom St., Wilm., DE. Friends may call at the church from 10:00am- 11:00am. Burial will take place at All Saints Cemetery.