Dec. 24, 1949 ~ March 18, 2022
Stephen Charles McSweeney, accomplished software engineer, voracious reader, dog lover, mountain biker, tennis player, skier, hunter, fisherman, rancher, Civil War history enthusiast and master of comical storytelling, passed on March 18, 2022, the day after he celebrated his favorite holiday, St Patrick’s Day.
Born on Dec. 24, 1949 in Silver Spring, Maryland, Stephen, was the most special Christmas present Charles and Alberta McSweeney could have asked for. Sadly, Stephen’s beautiful mother, Alberta, passed away when Stephen had just reached the age of three. Charles’ sister Adah and her daughter, cousin Elaine, joined the household with Stephen and his father after Alberta’s passing. Aunt Adah (Nurse Bossart) helped raise the bright and energetic Stephen until Charles married Gladys (Johnson) McSweeney. Gladys was a sweet and doting mother to Stephen and Aunt Adah remained a cherished mother figure as well for his lifetime.
Stephen grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, and summers were spent in Colorado at the family ranch near Meeker and in Carbondale with extended family. Stephen was a gifted student and despite acceptance to several esteemed colleges, he decided a small liberal arts school was the best fit for him, and he attended Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) in Westminster, Maryland.
College life for only child Stephen was a highlight in his life, with his Gamma Beta Kai “brothers”. Stephen did well in his academics and served in the ROTC program, graduating with honors and earning a Bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences in 1972. He later continued his academics by earning his Master’s degree in software engineering from John’s Hopkins College of Engineering, while working at Westinghouse.
Stephen served proudly as a commissioned officer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and following his honorable discharge, he was fortunate to be given the opportunity to launch his career as an engineer at Westinghouse Corporation in Maryland. He was proud to be part of the team that developed radar technology for B1 bombers.
In 1978, daughter Heather Cathleen arrived and Stephen was amazed at how this tiny being captured his heart. As an only child, he had no experiences with babies, but he embraced the joy of watching tiny Heather grow and discover life. Stephen kept a small box in his dresser with some of her tiny childhood clothing and shoes as a personal memento of that magical time in his life. He cherished his time as a parent and did his best to enhance her appreciation for experiences, history and creating wonderful memories.
In 1986, Stephen proclaimed, “West is Best,” bought a Ford Bronco and moved to Colorado to accept a position with Ball Corporation as a software manager. This relocation brought him into closer proximity to his father and stepmother Gladys who had retired and moved to Rifle, Colorado, near the McSweeney Family Ranch. Living in Colorado meant that adventures with Heather could now include grandparents Charles and Gladys.
While working at Ball Corporation, Stephen met wife Camille, who was unable to resist the captivating grin, brilliant intellect, witty sense of humor, and beautiful green eyes, so she said yes! They were married in Santa Fe in 1991 in a quiet ceremony held in a chapel listed in the National Historic Register, in theme with Stephen’s love of history. They were married for over 30 years and shared many adventures including many travels, vacations in Taos, and staying at the cabin on the family ranch. Camille remained his partner, playmate and caregiver until Stephen passed.
In 1998 when Heather and Stephen were on a trip to the McSweeney Ranch, they rescued a dirty, injured dog that had sought refuge in the ranch coal bin. The discovery of this gravely injured dog would change Stephen’s life and heart forever. Thanks to the encouragement of Heather, Stephen brought this injured dog home and paid the substantial vet bills to restore this injured stray Border Collie mix back to robust health and the big personality that charmed all that she met. Cody Ann was Stephen’s devoted and adoring canine companion and co-pilot for 15 years and enhanced his life in innumerable ways. After Cody passed, Stephen knew he still needed a dog in his life, so at the age of 65, he was blessed with the opportunity to choose his very first puppy. Sutton is a stunningly beautiful miniature Australian Shepherd and she was Stephen’s devoted and loving companion until Stephen passed. The magic of Cody transformed Stephen into a dog lover that would never again live without the love of dogs in his life.
Stephen established lifelong relationships at Western Maryland College and attended reunions for many years with his former Gamma Beta Kai brothers. He was fortunate to have some of those brothers, Charlie and Dave, visit him in Colorado in recent years, which was a wonderful occasion for storytelling and reminiscing.
One of the best blessings in Stephen and Camille’s life together has been the community of loving friends that they have gained in Taos. “The Hood” has embraced and included them for the last 15 years and enhanced their lives immeasurably. It has made Taos an even more beautiful and rejuvenating place and refuge. Stephen loved his time there and appreciated every breathtaking sunset, star filled night sky, beer with the boys, dinners with friends, Fourth of July fireworks viewing from lawn chairs and the mesmerizing solace and beauty of that magical place.
Stephen had a lifelong love of Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies, college basketball (especially ACC, GO DUKE!), reading, Civil War and American history, Maryland Crab cakes, travel, chili con queso (that “decorated” his shirt), sailing, a good cigar, playing pool on Thursday nights, an occasional single malt scotch, art, the beauty of the McSweeney Ranch and the company of his dogs, family and great friends.
To the end, his defining sense of humor remained with him. He faced his challenges bravely with loving partner Camille and carved out a good life. We will miss his wonderful Christmas Chronicles, but we imagine Stephen, now at peace, once again playing basketball and tennis, riding his bike, fishing with Charles and Gladys, hugging his mother Alberta, reminiscing about Hell Missions with his Gamma Beta Kai brothers, playing pool with his buddy Neil Endsley and of course receiving many puppy kisses from Cody.
He was loved.
Stephen was predeceased by his parents, Alberta (Witchey) McSweeney, Charles McSweeney and Gladys (Johnson) McSweeney, Aunt Adah (McSweeney) Bossart, Father and Mother Inlaws, Nelan and Joyce Peterson and his faithful first dog, Cody Ann McSweeney.
He is survived by his wife Camille Peterson, daughter Heather Cathleen Dillen (Travis), grandchildren Lillien and Aiden Dillen, sisters-in-law Darla (Peterson) Broshar (Dave), Patricia Peterson (Bill), niece Dani (Broshar) Anderson (Dusty), niece Kennedy Anderson, nephew Kyler Anderson, cousins Elaine, Erin and Scott Hutchings, stepdaughter Hollie Fraley, step mother-in-law Maudie Corvin and his beloved dogs Murphy, Sutton and Paris.
A private celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Stephen’s memory may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, McDaniel College, and Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy are appreciated and may be shared at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.
