Obituary of Dennis Joseph McSweeney

   Dennis Joseph (DJ) McSweeney passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on May 23, 2023 at the age of 62. DJ is survived by his wife Jane, his daughters Courtney, Katie Papaliberios (Jason Papaliberios) and Lindsey, his mother Evelyn, his brothers Kevin and Robert, over a dozen nieces and nephews, and countless friends. He was predeceased by his father, Dennis. 

   DJ was born to Dennis and Evelyn McSweeney on March 19, 1961, as the first of their three sons. He was raised in the Bronx, attending Saint Nicholas of Tolentine High School before going on to Manhattan College and graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice in 1983. Following graduation, DJ joined the FBI as an Analyst. After several years working in the NY Field Office, he became a Special Agent for the Internal Revenue Service. In 1988, DJ joined the U.S. Customs Service as a Special Agent working at the World Trade Center. While there, DJ helped evacuate the North Tower after the first Terrorist Attack in 1993. He risked it all to lead people to safety from the building. In 1994, DJ was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent, where he ran a group of agents conducting a variety of criminal investigations. In 2001, he received the U.S. Customs Service Commissioner's Award, recognizing his courageous efforts on September 11th, where he led his team and all other occupants of Six World Trade Center in a complete evacuation of the building during the terrorist attacks. DJ went on to assist dozens of civilians to safety, and due to his bravery, hundreds of people made it home to their families on that day. DJ continued as Supervisory Special Agent in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security until his retirement in 2011. After retiring, DJ worked at Morgan Stanley in the security division until 2015. 

   As much as DJ enjoyed his career, there was nothing he enjoyed more than being an incredible father to his girls. He enjoyed trips to the beach and the Bronx Zoo, attending Yankees games with his family, and long walks with Bailey, the family dog. DJ was actively involved in the North Salem community where he and Jane raised their family. He served as President of the North Salem Athletic Booster Club, President of the Little League, and as coach for many of his daughters’ soccer, softball, and basketball teams. In 2013, he was recognized by the North Salem Athletic Department for his outstanding service, dedication, and loyalty to the student athletes and coaches. He was honored again in 2016 by the North Salem Athletic Booster Club for his ongoing service. 

   DJ will be remembered as a loving husband, brother and son, an adoring father, and loyal friend. He was loved by all that knew him and will be deeply missed.

   The visiting hours will be on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Clark Associates Funeral Home, 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah, NY.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's RC Church, 95 Plum Brook Road, Somers, NY 10589.

   In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation or The Alzheimer’s Association.