John Lawrence "Larry" Sweeney, 90, of Cypress, TX, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on October 19, 2024. Larry was born in Boston, MA, on November 18, 1933. In 1954, he married Harriette "Chickie" (MacEachern) Sweeney. In Boston, they welcomed three children: John, Kim, and Nancy - before relocating to Jacksonville, FL, where they welcomed their fourth child, Jacqueline (Jacci). The family also lived in Tallahassee, FL; Memphis, TN; and Houston/Cypress, TX.

Larry served in the US Navy during the Korean War as a Gunner's Mate on the USS Charles H. Roan. After his military service, he had a successful career in the automotive industry with American Motors and Chrysler, rising in the ranks to become a Factory Representative for Houston-area dealerships. He especially enjoyed organizing promotional programs at Houston's Astrodome.

A lifelong sports fan, Larry rooted for his Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros. He coached Little League, won bowling trophies with his wicked curve ball, played tennis and golf (scoring two holes-in-one). He also served as Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America, leading to his son, John, earning his Eagle Scout rank.

Larry and Chickie enjoyed traveling together including trips to Europe, China, SE Asia, Russia, South America, Antarctica, and more. He loved experiencing different cultures, great food, and good music.

As grandparents, Larry and Chickie were affectionately nicknamed "Paga and Mims." The grandkids were entertained by Paga's antics: sticking bows to his forehead on Christmas morning; emptying his pockets of extra candies from restaurants; doling out Happy Meal toys, collectible coins, dollar store finds, and baseball cards. Larry was a lifelong gardener, and the grandkids loved finding rows of his miniature tomatoes lined up on the kitchen windowsill when they came over for family dinners. Paga loved pasta fazool, spaghetti and meatballs, grilling steaks and burgers – not to mention cannoli, pizzelles, ice cream, and anything from Mike's Pastry in Boston. He always encouraged the grandkids to "Mangia!"

Larry was an unpretentious man – an American grandpa stashing candy in his pockets, collecting golf balls, telling tales, growing gardens, and looking forward to the kids and grandkids coming over for burgers and ice cream. We mourn, celebrate, and remember with hope that we will carry his best forward for the next generation.

Larry is predeceased by: Father and Mother, William and Eleanor "Nora" Sweeney of Boston, MA; brother William "Bill" Sweeney.

Larry is survived by: Wife of 70 years, Harriette "Chickie" Sweeney of Cypress, TX; John L. Sweeney and wife Leslie of Memphis, TN; Kim M. Repede and husband Tom of Georgetown, TX; Nancy Montgomery of Houston, TX; Jacqueline "Jacci" Coolidge and husband Paul of Magnolia, TX; grandchildren Ryan Montgomery, Jennifer Montgomery, Katherine Montgomery, Dr. Patrick Sweeney, Rachel Sweeney; sisters Joanne Sweeney-Belinsky and Linda Bennett of Hopkinton, MA; beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

We thank the many people in the healthcare community who helped Larry enjoy health into old age, especially Dr. Ronald Taylor and staff and the doctors and staff of HCA North Cypress.

Services will be held at Klein Funeral Home Champions on Friday, November 1 (9 AM Reception/10 AM Service) with a brief graveside service at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038 at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, offer a friend or neighbor a kindness, in memory of the kindness that Larry and Chickie have received from their own lovely neighbors and friends. For those not able to attend the service in person are able to attend via livestream. You can find the link here: https://youtube.com/live/oQqi8Zriznk?feature=share