Chinese Proverb

Peace4Paws volunteer Kyle Christopher McSweeney, aged 37, of Norwood, NJ passed away suddenly. He is survived by his parents Thomas and Cynthia McSweeney (nee DeGloria), his older and younger brothers Ryan and Sean McSweeney, sister in law Lauren McSweeney, nieces whom he cherished, Taylor and Madison McSweeney and his aunts, uncles and cousins.

Kyle was an employee of the State of New Jersey as a Taxation Investigator for 14 years.  He was a 2010 graduate of Quinnipiac University in Hamden Connecticut and 2006 graduate of Northern Valley Regional High School, Old Tappan. He was an accomplished wrestler starting at the age of 7 winning numerous tournaments and ultimately winning the State Wrestling Tournament as a freshman in high school. His success led both his brothers to join him in this demanding sport.

Kyle loved spending time at the beach and driving his car wherever the road would take him. He loved music and played guitar since he was young. Kyle had the privilege of meeting his favorite band since he was 10 years old, 311, and created a personal long-term friendship with the band’s bassist. He attended over 60 of their concerts in multiple states over the years with the ultimate gift of playing backstage at Hammerstein Theater in New York City with the bassist, P-Nut, when he was 17. Kyle was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan and traveled several times to Dallas to watch his favorite team play in their brand new stadium. From when he was 6 when his bedroom was decorated in all Cowboy gear until now, he never lost hope in his BOYZ.  

On weekends and sometimes during the week, Kyle would volunteer for us, Peace4Paws. He was an extremely reliable transporter and handler of dogs. He would routinely drive out to Matamoras, PA for 1pm on a Sunday and bring his dog(s) to Best Friends in Chestnut Ridge, New York by 3pm. No matter how big or small, scared or bold the dog, Kyle was committed to handling the dog until the foster, adopter or boarding time came on these transport arrival days. Sometimes Kyle would be a part of a team of six drivers filled with carloads of fully vetted, precious pups to be saved from euthanasia. He knew the gravity of his work and was always very patient and sweet with the dogs. Kyle always was smiling and was just a joy to have on the team. Jennifer Cece, was his direct report, as she handles transport. She trained him for his first transport, and he came to her house many times to pick up crates or other supplies and just chat. He also visited Judy at her house to pick up supplies and was always very welcomed. 

To Peace4Paws relief, Kyle pretty much always said yes when Jennifer asked him to transport. He picked up giant pit bulls in New York City, and delivered senior poodles all the way to Maryland (and back in one day). On an urgent, last minute request he drove to Wheeling West Virginia and brought back a beautiful white pitbull to be adopted in Washington Township, NJ.(also in one day). He really enjoyed the ride through the beautiful mountains of Pennsylvannia and West Virginia on that trip. Jennifer gave him a suggestion to visit Oglebay for the first dog walk once in Wheeling, WVA. He did and he loved it. (It is a beautiful estate on the top of a mountain). Less scenic were the early morning drives down the turnpike to save the lives of Mississippi pups and dogs, but he managed to get up early and help with that also when needed. He only did Mississippi once, he was more of a KY dog rescue driver, but would help as needed when he could. 

When in February 2023 as a new member, he was recognized at the fundraiser for all his contributions and awarded a service plaque even though he had volunteered less than a year.  (Our rule was we would wait a year before recognizing someone, but Kyle was just so special and appreciated by us.) He received a big round of applause too when he stepped up to the stage to get his award. He was loved by all. 

He even helped the founder, Jennifer, when she had post-concussion syndrome, and gave her a ride to the Bronx for an opera rehearsal.  Jennifer enjoyed hearing more about his family and musical interests on that ride. Jennifer says “there really are no words to express the depth of sadness for losing this wonderful young man”. “We were so fortunate for the years we spent working with Kyle. He always brightened up every day he spent in service to the dogs. He will be missed”. 

Services will be held at Pizzi Funeral Home in Northvale NJ Friday November 1, 2024 from 3-7 pm with a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Tappan, New York on Saturday November 2, 2024 at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Peace4Paws in Kyle’s memory. www.peace4paws.org/donate

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kyle’s family and friends who lost a wonderful young man, way too soon. He will be forever in our hearts.