Obituary of Curtin Sweely

Curt Sweely, age 69 beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2024. He was known for his kind heart, twinkling eyes, and an amazingly positive attitude that lit up every room he entered. Curt was born on December 14, 1954, the son of Leigh and Patricia (Hughes) Sweely of Tioga, PA. Curt graduated from Williamson High School in 1972 and Corning Community College in 1974. Curt married Mary Bennitt in 1977 and they started a family together with the birth of their daughter, Michelle. Curt was a devoted family man. He cherished moments spent with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed time at the family's cabin in Blackwell, which was a place of serenity for him. Curt worked as a Cost Accountant for Ingersoll Rand and Dresser Rand in Painted Post, NY for 28 years before retiring due to his disability. Curt was diagnosed with Becker Muscular Dystrophy when he was a young adult. Over the years, the disease was progressive and debilitating. Many people die in their early 50's. Curt defied those statistics, because that's all they were: numbers that didn't mean anything to Curt or Mary. They set out to live a full and satisfying life, a goal they accomplished, despite life-long challenges. Curt was a past volunteer firefighter, EMT and member of the Tioga Volunteer Fire Department. He also loved fishing and hunting (deer, bear and turkey). He was a life member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Curt's mobility decreased over time and when that happened, he began bass fishing competitively from his bass boat. Curt and his father were among the founding members of the Tioga County Bass Anglers in 1981. Curt and his father, as a team, and then Curt and Mary were well known for their participation in bass tournaments in PA and NY. Curt had a roomful of trophies from all over the eastern seaboard for his fishing prowess. Eventually when boating became unsafe for Curt, they gave up fishing and Curt took an interest in photography. He was naturally talented with a camera and became an award-winning wildlife photographer. He and Mary were members of the Grand Canyon Photography Club for several years before his passing. Curt is survived by Mary, his loving and caring wife of 46 years, daughter Michelle and son-in-law Pastor Joshua Miller of Washington Court House, Ohio, four grandchildren (Janell, Scott, Emma, and Archie) and a sister Nancy (Steve) Saunders, Mansfield PA. In celebration of Curt's life, a memorial service, officiated by Pastor Isaac Crockett will be held at the East Lawrence Baptist Church where Curt and Mary attended. The service will be on Saturday March 23, 2024 at 11:00 am with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Curt's memory may be made to the Lawrenceville Ambulance Association, 19564 Route 287, Lawrenceville, PA 16929 or the East Lawrence Baptist Church, 1139 East Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, PA. 16929. Curt brought joy and warmth to the lives of those around him. His compassion was unbounded. Whether through a kind word or a kind smile, Curt made an impact on all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Curt will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace, knowing that he made the world better with his presence. Curt would like us all to remember one of his favorite Bible verses: Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 South Main Street, Mansfield, PA is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com