Jeff Sweeney

Jeff Sweeney, 59, of Peru, resided in Indianapolis, IN, recently moved to Englewood, Florida, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024 in Englewood, FL.  He was born on February 4, 1965 to the late John Wayne and Wendy Sweeney. 

He graduated from Peru High School in 1983.  He played golf and was a member of the cheerleading squad.  He also played football and along with his teammates, they took Peru to the semi state in 1982.  Jeff graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington in 1987, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Public Finance. While at IU, he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, played intermural rugby, and volunteered as a blind interpreter for fellow college students. Naturally Jeff was a hardcore IU fan all the way and had an extensive collection of IU memorabilia.  Jeff worked as a cook at Janko’s Little Zagreb in Bloomington through his college years. This is where he crafted the fine art of grilling his masterpiece steaks.

Jeff was the President of Dynamic Spine Solutions DSS of Indianapolis, Indiana and a member of ABC American Businessmen’s Club.  Jeff worked tirelessly to assist in the clean up efforts after his community in Englewood, Florida was impacted by Hurricane Ian.  He also was a volunteer cook at his local Moose lodge.

Just like his father, he never met a stranger and like his mother, he loved with his whole heart. He was best described by one of his dear friends as “Jeff was a light”.  His eyes would light up with his smile, and his smile could light up a room.  He lived life to the fullest and when you were with him, he made sure you did too.  Jeff found so much joy in so many things, but first and foremost his family and friends.  He turned friends into extended family.  He had a passion for cooking and serving people.  Fortunately, he was good at it. Many were treated to his culinary delights.  Boating, camping, and fishing also topped his list of all time favorites.  He loved them so much, that he moved to Florida and bought his dream boat.  He proudly boasted of his 15 minutes of fame when a picture of him and his catch were featured on the SWFL Brag Board in The Coastal Angler, a local magazine.  He was also an avid Harley rider and took great pride in the bikes he owned.

In the earlier years 1993-2007, Jeff, along with some of his best buddies, made a yearly trek to Dale Hollow where they would chip in together and rent a houseboat.  Those trips created legendary escapades that are still talked and laughed about to this day.  Jeff was also a proud member of the NRA and enjoyed going to Knobb Creek where he had the best times “blowing stuff up”.  For many years, Jeff also enjoyed the traditional annual fishing/camping trip to Lake Erie, where only the “men folk” of the family were allowed to attend.  This was a tradition that was started many years ago by his great grandfather.  As anyone can attest to, nobody could tell a joke like Jeff (Sween-Dog) Sweeney.  He put so much animation in his joke telling, including voices and body movements, that he brought tears of laughter to many eyes.

Children absolutely love Jeff.  He was referred to as Uncle Jeffy, whether they were related or not.  He built Camp Sweeney behind his house in Fishers for his daughter Madison and friends. He always went all out providing camp food and special gifts for the little ones.  He wanted to create special magical memories for his princess, Maddy-moo-moo.  

As a father, Jeff Sweeney was always more than just a dad, he was a best friend to his Maddy Moo.  He knew how to balance love, teachings, and fun together so well as he raised his only daughter.  From showing her how to use a chainsaw and chop wood in their backyard, to teaching her how to love tomatoes and cut them into perfect snack wedges, she learned so much from him in so many ways.  He always knew how to make everyone laugh, especially his baby girl.

Jeff will be so incredibly missed by his family, multitude of friends, and loved ones. He leaves behind a gaping hole in our hearts, but we rejoice in the knowledge that he has returned home to be with his beloved Lord Jesus.  We know that we will eventually be reunited with him again.

Survivors include; daughter; Madison Lee Sweeney, Sister; Carrie (Chris) Milroy, Fiance’; Jessica Martin, step-children; Zachary Smith, Ericka Martin, Hunter Martin, Brennan Christle, aunt and uncle; Sonja and Jerry Byrd, nephew; Jeremy (Cheryl) Lobenthal, Nieces; Lindsay (Jason) Lobenthal, Kristen (Nick) Milroy, Katrina (Joseph), grandchildren; Harper Martin (who lovingly referred to him as Goppie) and Jozie Ellis, great nephew and a niece; Ty and Chace Lobenthal, Gavin, Kinley and Nathan Fincher, Joey Benner, Charlie and Sawyer Jones.

A funeral service honoring the life of Jeff will be held on April 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., located at Riverview Funeral Home, 421 W. Canal St., Peru.  Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Jeff’s honor to either, Veterans of War or Riley's Children Hospital.

Riverview Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  Messages of condolences may be made online at www.riverviewfhperu.com.

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