Joseph P. "Joe" McSweeney, 84, died Thursday October 4, 2017 at St Antoine’s Residence in North Smithfield after a long illness. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Charles and Esther (Flynn) McSweeney.
Joe grew up in Providence and attended La Salle Academy and Providence College. He was a long time member of the English Department faculty at Rhode Island College, teaching Children’s Literature and Creative Writing to his students over the course of five decades. He was a beloved and sought after professor, constantly challenging students with his strong intellect, encouraging them to fulfill their greatest potential, while entertaining them with his wonderfully irreverent sense of humor.
An avid sports fan, Joe delighted in following all of New England’s professional teams. He and a few of his closest friends visited every Major League Baseball Stadium in the United States over a 10-year period, a journey that was featured in several local news outlets.
Joe also led an active volunteer life. He served as a Trustee of the Harmony Hill School, as a docent at the John Brown House in Providence, and faithfully served meals to the homeless on Thanksgiving Day at Amos House in Providence.
He is survived by his children, Joanne E. Pirolli and her husband William of Cranston, Susan M. McDonald and her husband Thomas of Issaquah, WA, Mark J. McSweeney and his wife Ellen of Mansfield, MA, David M. McSweeney and his husband Brett Johnson of North Reading, MA, and by 6 loving grandchildren, Ellen, Molly, Kyle, Daniel, Aidan and Claire. He was predeceased by his sister, Ann M. McSweeney, his brother John R McSweeney, and his grandson Patrick W. Pirolli.
Funeral Tuesday at 10am in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Burial in St Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. Visiting hours Monday 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Amos House, 460 Pine St, Providence, RI 02907 or through their website will be appreciated.