Craig P. Sweeney, a native of Traverse City, MI, passed away on October 10, 2024, leaving behind a grieving family and community. Craig was the devoted husband of Susan Sweeney and the cherished father of Kelly Salmon, with whom he shared a special bond. He was the beloved son of Colleen Sweeney and the brother of Brian, Joe, and Shannon. His passing after a 3 1/2-month battle with cancer has deeply affected those who knew and loved him.
Craig’s life was filled with remarkable achievements and love for his family. A proud veteran, Craig served in the United States Air Force for nearly 27 years, where he earned the rank of Senior Master Sergeant before retiring in 2011. His career took him to various locations, including Mountain Home, ID, Upper Heyford, England—where he met his wife Susan—and Pope AFB, NC, where their daughter Kelly was born. His passion for learning saw him earn multiple degrees, including a Master of Aeronautical Science.
After his military service, Craig transitioned to a life of adventure and discovery, attending culinary school and working as a chef on research vessels before dedicating his time to working with special needs children in the school district. In 2019, he and Susan embraced a nomadic lifestyle, traveling across the country in an RV before settling down in Florida.
Craig loved the outdoors and cherished moments spent kayaking, hiking, and camping with his family. Known for his laid-back, minimalistic approach to life, he was often seen wearing Hawaiian and tie-dye shirts, enjoying good food, and exploring new restaurants.
A fundraiser has been set up by Amanda Martin to support Craig’s family during this difficult time, with donations already pouring in from friends and well-wishers. Kendall Kirk and James Pizarro have each contributed $81, while others like Matthew Merka and an anonymous donor have given generously to help ease the family’s transition.
Craig’s legacy will live on through his family and the countless lives he touched throughout his military career and beyond. His memory will be honored with a Jack and Coke toast, a bag of saltwater taffy, or a scoop of chocolate ice cream—some of the simple pleasures he enjoyed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Susan, Kelly, and the entire Sweeney family during this incredibly difficult time.
Short Summary of Craig P. Sweeney
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Craig P. Sweeney |
| Date of Passing | 10/10/2024 |
| Fundraiser Created By | Amanda Martin |
| Location | Traverse City, MI |
| Purpose | Supporting his family during their transition |
| Amount Raised | $262 |
| Recent Donors | Kendall Kirk, James Pizarro, Matthew Merka, Anonymous |
Note:This post was written and edited by Jayden Johnson, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.