OFFICER RICHARD L. SWEENEY

BADGE 339

SDPD 03/02/1962 - 06/15/1967 & 08/23/1967 - 08/17/1971 *

08/17/1939 - 05/21/2022

Sweeney, Richard “Dick” Leon passed away peacefully at home in Alpine, California on May 22, 2021.

Richard was born in Milford Connecticut on August 17, 1939 to Ralph and Mary Sweeney. At 17 Richard joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Ticonderoga from 1957 to 1959 while stationed in the Hawaiian Territory.

He was a police officer for the City of San Diego, served as a reserve police officer and in later years served with the Citizen’s Patrol with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office in Alpine.

Richard was an avid fisherman and boating enthusiast for many years. His compassionate nature brought him many friends in life as a stockbroker, salesman and small business owner in San Diego.

His passion for restoring collectible 1963-65 Buick Rivieras brought him national recognition at Buick Shows across the country. In later years he worked with his son, Richard Jr. at a graphics studio they established in 1982.

Richard is survived by Deborah, his childhood sweetheart and wife of 62 years; children Richard Jr. (Patricia) of Grossmont, Mark (Ellen) of Alpine, Christine (Mark) Wolf of Escondido, Sheri (Andi) Smithers of Escondido; grandchildren Hillary (Christopher) Cox, Reid Sweeney, Kiel Kauthen, Justin (Tori) Wolf, Elizabeth (Tanner) McNary, Abigail (Joseph) Sims, Edward and Cathrynn Smithers; great-grandchildren Nevaeh Gabriel Cox; Yvette Kauthen; Amelia, Evelyn and Gabriel Wolf and Desmond McNary.

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THE THIN BLUE LINE

* Reserve Officer