Three cheers, and cakes, for Father Bob upon his retirement
Goshen. Father Robert Sweeney, formerly of St. John the Evangelist, retires after 25 years at Holy Rosary Church in Greenwood Lake.
| 12 Aug 2019 | 02:38
The Rev. Robert Sweeney cuts one his cakes at his retirement party on July 28. (
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Ruthy Burgess, former organist for Holy Rosary created a song for the "Mrs. Sweeney's" performance. The Mrs. Sweeney's are the drivers who have driven for Father Bob over the years, and they all wore red socks like Father Bob frequently does. They each held up a paddle, which had a photo of Father Bob, and they raised it at different times to go with the music. Father Bob was asked to sit in a chair out front where they could sing to him. (
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On Sunday, July 28, a retirement party was held for the Rev. Robert Sweeney at the Greenwood Lake American Legion. He retired from Holy Rosary Church after 25 years. Before Holy Rosary, he served for a time at St. John the Evangelist in Goshen.
The large buffet luncheon in his honor was attended by 250 people. The master of ceremonies was Kevin Donahue.
Father Bob, as he is affectionately called, was presented with numerous gifts and letters of congratulations and proclamations. This included Greenwood Lake Mayor Jesse Dwyer, Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton, various politicians and Catholic Charities, to name a few.
New Legion Commander Tom Mulcahy presented Father Bob with a special framed portrait and said he hoped that he would continue to be the Legion Chaplain for another 25 years.
At the end of the party, Father Bob cut one of his three cakes.