Brian Patrick Sweeney, 54, of Monmouth Beach, passed away Dec. 8. Brian was born Nov. 27, 1965 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Anna and Robert Sweeney. He was raised in Long Branch, but returned to Philadelphia for his schooling. He graduated as a top mason from the Philip Randolph Trade School in Philadelphia. He moved to Long Branch in 1987 and eventually settled in Monmouth Beach 20 years ago.
Brian worked as a highly skilled carpenter throughout Monmouth County. He took great pride in his work and enjoyed helping people. If someone needed work done around their home and did not have the money to pay him, he would still gladly help them out. His heart extended beyond his trade skills. Brian was a “Big Brother” to many of the local teens. He taught them valuable life skills from learning to eat right to manners to developing a good work ethic and to being a good person in general. He also shared his love of the ocean with them. Brian could be found surfing or skateboarding or even under the hood, fixing a car. He had a zest for life and would have wanted his life celebrated.
Brian is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jacqueline and Tom Piascik, and their three daughters Layla, Prim and Gemma; and his son Gavin Geyer and a “furson” George. Brian also leaves behind his two sisters and their husbands, Ann Marie (Mike) and Mary (Daniel); along with five brothers and their wives, Kevin (Adele), Kenny (Maritza), Robert (Donna), Mark and his nephew who was like a brother, Joe Reed; along with his mother-in-law Lois Geyer; many nieces, nephews and dear friends, including his surfing family, Jarrett St. John, Justin Perry, Mike Smith, Dan Smith, and his best friend Timmy Bramble.
A celebration of Brian’s life took place Dec. 14 at Jack’s Goal Line, Long Branch.
