In Memory of Joseph P. Sweeney (“Roscoe”)

Obituary

Joseph P. Sweeney (“Roscoe”), 67, of New Hartford, New York, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on May 8, 1959, in Utica, NY, Joe was a lifelong resident of New Hartford and a proud member of the community he called home.

Roscoe was educated through the New Hartford Central School District, Mohawk Valley Community College, SUNY Utica, and The University of Pennsylvania at Edinboro. While at Edinboro, he was a member of the national Theta Chi Fraternity, Eta Zeta Chapter. 

Roscoe built a unique and dynamic career as a lighting and sound technician and engineer, working with local, regional, and national touring music groups across the United States. His talent and dedication led him to collaborate with some of the country’s most well-known performers and included work within the television industry with major sporting organizations, including ESPN/USA Network, where he provided lighting for boxing events. He was part of the production team for Super Bowl XXV, and he contributed his expertise to Major League Baseball and professional basketball events. His work was recognized in national publications for his contributions to stage lighting, and he shared his talents locally through the Cooperstown Hall of Fame.  He concluded his career at the historic Stanley Theatre in Utica, NY.

Roscoe had a deep love of travel, especially his many trips to Ireland, and embraced a life that often took him across the country and around the world. He also had a lifelong love for animals, especially his cats, who were an important and cherished part of his life. Roscoe was an avid sports fan. His teams being the Boston Red Sox, Miami Dolphins, New Jersey Devils and the Boston Celtics.

Above all, Roscoe will be remembered for his passion, creativity, and his love of music, as well as the stories he shared from the road, capturing intimate moments with artists and the remarkable people and experiences he encountered along the way.

Roscoe was predeceased by his father, Joseph P. Sweeney Jr., and his longtime fiancée, Christine J. Milewski, with whom he shared over 30 years. He is now reunited with Christine.

He is survived by his mother, Betty Ann Mercurio; his brothers, Christopher Sweeney and Stephen Sweeney (Tracy); his niece, Alyssa Brockett; and many beloved family members, including Dale and Jeannine Ryan and family, Raymond J. Ryan and family, Mary Jo Ryan, Colleen Ryan Soden and family, Jean Sweeney, Alison Vespa and family, Quinn Sweeney and family, Kelly Webster and family, Katie MacKenzie and family, Ellen Sweeney, and many members of the Mercurio family.

Roscoe would like to thank the vast majority of his medical team that cared for him throughout the years, especially Dr. Atul Butala at Faxton Oncology, Roswell Oncology, the entire team at the Faxton Infusion Lab, MVHS, Dr. John Robertson, the Oneida Health Care team, Dr. Delpino and his staff, Dr. Omarbasha and Dr. Welchons, Dr. Wady and Dr. Nesbitt of Crouse/St. Josephs Syracuse,  and countless other medical support staff that have assisted throughout the years.

A special thank you to Hospice and the wonderful community of people that got to know and love Joe. He was truly one of a kind. Special thanks to Alyssa, Ashley, Erin and Stephanie for being much more than employees. You have helped us get through these very difficult months and we will never forget you.

Roscoe would like to give very special thanks to some people that have been like family to him: his caregiver Carrie Nelson, Bob Lett (Rachel), Patrick and Girija Hart, Donal O’Shaughnessy, Wendy and Rick Short, Bill Ellenwood and Felicia Joseph.

Roscoe would like to acknowledge Tessa Lodeweges, of Almelo, Netherlands, whom he shared a mutual admiration and deep connection with.

Finally, Joe would like to thank his brother Steve for being by his side these past 4 months. It has been such a blessing being reunited with his brother and his presence enabled Joe to stay in his home up until 5 days ago and honor his wishes.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 29, at Friedel Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd. New Hartford, NY. Calling hours will be from 10am-12 pm with service immediately following and interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro, NY. Friends are invited to join for a gathering immediately following interment at Orchard Hall, Sauquoit, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spring Farm Cares in Clinton, NY or the Stanley Theatre in Utica NY. Roscoe will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.