Stephen J. Sweeney Jr., 78, passed away at his home in Bethlehem on Friday, March 4, 2022 after a long illness. He was the husband of Elizabeth " Betty" (Hankey) Sweeney.

He was born on April 5, 1943 the son to Stephen and Genevieve (Garrick) Sweeney. Stephen grew up in Naugatuck and received his education at St. Francis School in Naugatuck, Canterbury School in New Milford and Villanova University in Philadelphia. He also graduated from the Connecticut School of Savings Banking and ultimately from the Graduate School of Savings Banking at Brown University. He worked briefly in banking in Philadelphia but spent the majority of his career in banking back in Naugatuck, where he was very active in the civic and business community for over 30 years.

Stephen was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was was a loyal friend, dependable, and kind. Even though he spent his career as a banker, Stephen enjoyed creative pursuits, such as taking on the challenge of designing his home in Bethlehem.

Besides his wife of 50 years, Betty, Stephen is survived by his son Stephen III and his wife Casey; his grandchildren Henry and Cassie of California; his sister Ellen Sweeney of New York; and his brother Lawrence Sweeney and his wife Bridget of Morris, CT.

The Sweeney family would like to thank VNA Help at Home, The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, and Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Litchfield County for their compassionate care.

Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stephen's memory to Bethlehem Ambulance Association, 83 Main St. S. Bethlehem, CT 06751 or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.