Paul Joseph Sweeney

paul sweeney
Paul Joseph Sweeney rode his last curtain call Thursday, May 15, 2014, at the John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center after a long fight with cancer. He was born June 18, 1944, in San Francisco, CA, to the late Joseph and Roberta Sweeney. At a young age, he and his family moved to Los Altos, CA, in what is now known as the "Silicon Valley" to be close to his grandparents who were among the first to plant fruit orchards in that fertile area. During the Vietnam War, he achieved the rank of Sergeant in the United States Air Force. Over his four years of service, he served in both Pakistan and Iran. At the end of his military career, he was stationed at the Laredo Air Force Base in Laredo, TX, where through the Laredo Little Theatre he met and married his beloved wife of 44 years, Guillermina Martinez Sweeney. Paul was a graduate of Wabash College and Indiana University, where he received his Master's degree in Theatrical Scenic Design. Following college, he came to Asheville where he enjoyed a 20 year tenure as an associate professor of theatrical design and technology at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. The United States Institute of Theatre Technology, Southeast Regional Section, honored him with the Founders Award in 1992 as the educator of the year. For every summer from 1974 to 1994, Paul took great pride in being the scenic and lighting designer for the Opera Workshop at the Brevard Music Center where he designed critically acclaimed scenery for over 100 operas and musicals. As a member of St. Joan of Arc parish since 1973, Paul was devoted to his faith and his parish community. He served in many capacities, including that of a member of the parish pastoral council and as a lector. Surviving him, in addition to his wife, is their son, Randall Sweeney, and his wife Lexie, and their children Benjamin and Rosalyn, of Philadelphia, PA; their son, William Sweeney, and his wife Cameron Wilson, of Moscow, ID; their daughter, Deborah Sweeney, and her daughter, Katherine, of Charlotte, NC; and a special goddaughter, Melissa Guerrero of Asheville. His brother, John Sweeney his wife Joyce and their family, of Northfield, VT, and cousin Betty Denno her husband Jeff and their family, of Merced, CA, also survive him. The family will hold a prayer service Wednesday, May 21st, at 7:00 PM at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue, followed by a time where friends will be received. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 22nd, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, followed by a short graveside service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 768 Asbury Rd., Candler, NC 28715; or to CarePartners Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.

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  1. Paul was a colleague respected by his fellow faculty members at the University of North Carolina at Asheville and a teacher beloved by several generations of drama students. He inspired many of them to have substantial careers in theatrical design and production, and they will always remember him as a mentor and friend.

  2. Thank you for your kind remembrance of my dad, Arnold. He would be honored to know his colleagues and students thought so well of him.

  3. Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of
    your loved one. Death itself is an enemy to all mankind when it touches you
    personally .. The Bible brings comfort at John 5:28,29 & Psalms 55:22
    ‘Throw your burden upon God & he will sustain you.’

  4. Kind, loving, funny and smart. He is my cousin but he treated me more like a sister. Teasing was a big part of our lives. I will always feel the love. Sleep well my brother……..Bets

  5. I knew Paul as a colleague at UNC-A. He was a great talent for our students and faculty and staff who enjoyed productions he helped present. His sense of sly humor was great! I found him to be a wonderful colleague and a lot of fun. After he retired I used to see him at the gym pool- while dealing with his illness he was a strong and committed swimmer- setting a role model for anyone facing any kind of disability.

    A huge loss but a wonderful light for those fortunate to have known him

    Shirley Browning
    Retired Professor UNC-A

  6. I’m glad my dad was able to touch your life, too. His legacy is that he was able to prepare and inspire his students for bigger and better things.

  7. Mina and family, I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Please know that I am thinking of the you and will keep you in my prayers. God Bless Donna Lefler

  8. Mina, my friend, I am so sorry for your loss. My God bless and keep you and your family. Love, Pauline Bonham

  9. I would not be where I am had it not been for Paul’s misfortune. However he remained a colleague at the university and we designed a few shows together. He continued to be a resource and helped settle my family in Asheville, introducing us to St. Joan of Arc and Father Boyd. Mina taught my children and Debra babysat for us. I am so sorry for your loss, but I will always be grateful and have fond memories of Paul.

  10. I agree with Betty Denno… You guys always makes trouble for Roberta when you guys get together. Specially when she knows her times with each one of you kids are hers quality time when you guys visit. Paul and Mina travel many time to visit Paul parents in Mt.View, Ca and sometime Paul comes alone. His Mom would always make sure there’s enough Colombo bread on top of the kitchen counter when ever Paul or John visiting. One time Roberta complained cause Joe spend more time with Paul. Paul and his father Joe, loves their political conversation. When ever the boys, John and Paul comes and visit the same time. There’s lots and lots of laughter and jokes with Mom and Dad. Paul was well known his little brother roll to John and their sister Betty (cousin). Joe would always wonder and put up his worry hat if Paul doesn’t email everyday. hahaha he looks forward too every morning. The boy emails.
    Lots of memories of Paul told by his Mom. How he bought a snake and knock on the front door for his Mom to open, and when she opened. Paul just handed her the snake to hold while he goes and get the cage. The escalator at the Macy’s store in San Francisco Union Square. She smiles all the time talking about her boys. Well mannered Sweeney boys.
    May the Lord gives all his comforting love and may He continue to guiding us in our tourneys of life.
    God bless and much love to everyone of you.
    Love Sisilia Afungia, Joe and Roberta caretaker…

  11. As I left the theatre tonight after a dress rehearsal directing Once Upon A Mattress, I received the call that Paul had passed away. Paul was such an inspiration to all of us who graduated from UNCA and have had lifelong careers in theatre education. My heart is heavy and my mind is filled with so many sweet memories of the whole Sweeney family. Love and Prayers to all. Valerie Stewart-Jones, class of 1980.

  12. My Condolences; At times like this we all look for comfort and hope, and God’s Word the Holy Bible provides us with both. Note please the words of comfort spoken by our Lord Jesus to Martha, who just lost her brother, in John 11:23-25, ‘Your brother will rise, I am the resurrection and the life he that exercises faith in me even though he dies will come to life.’ Also John 5:28, 29, ‘Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out…..to a resurrection of life.’ I hope these verses help some at this time of sadness.

  13. Deborah, I’m not sure I ever met your dad but once or twice. After reading all the remembrances, I’m sorry I didn’t know him better. Please know that you and your entire family have my deepest sympathies and are in my prayers.

  14. Paul represented UNCA both on campus and in the community very well. Over the years we heard many positive comments about him both from students and faculty. He had a genius for making sets come alive in the performances he was part of. We respected Paul and were pleased to be colleagues with him. Many, many people are better because there lives interacted with Paul Sweeney.

  15. Bill, I am very thankful to have been able to meet your Dad when we had lunch together a few years ago. Deepest sympathy to you and all of your family. Bud Mayfield

  16. During my time at UNCA Paul was a good friend and mentor. He always challenged his students to go farther even when we thought we could not. He was also fun-loving who enjoyed his time with students who became friends. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. May you find God’s peace during these days. Class of 1980.


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