William "Liam" Patrick McSweeney

Father Liam P. McSweeney, a beloved priest of the Diocese of Sacramento for 60 years, died on July 23, 2023 in Sacramento. He was 87. Bishop Emeritus William K. Weigand will preside at the Mass of Christian Burial for Father McSweeney on Friday, August 11 at 10 a.m. in St. Mel Catholic Church, located at 4745 Pennsylvania Ave. in Fair Oaks. Father John Cantwell will be the celebrant and homilist. A reception will follow the Mass in the parish hall. The Rite of Committal service will be held that day at 2:30 p.m. at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 7101 Verner Ave. in Citrus Heights. A vigil service and rosary will be held on Thursday, Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. in St. Mel Catholic Church. Fr. McSweeney was born on Aug. 13, 1935, in Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 2, 1963. He served as assistant pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Rancho Cordova from 1963 to 1967, St. Peter and All Hallows Parish from 1967 to 1971, St. Mel Parish from 1971 to 1973, and St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish in North Highlands and St. Robert Parish in Sacramento from 1973 to 1976. Father McSweeney served as pastor of St. Mel Parish from October 2005 to August 2013, retiring on Aug. 31, 2013, and was named pastor emeritus of St. Mel Parish. Prior to serving at St. Mel, he was chaplain at the California Youth Authority (Perkins) from 1976 to 2002. Father McSweeney was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen; father, Edward; sisters Dympna McSweeney and Maureen Maher, and brother Pearse McSweeney. He is survived by his sister, Noreen McSweeney; his brother, Patrick McSweeney; his nephew, Martin Maher and his wife, Elaine; and grandnieces Raicheal, Aisling and Grace Maher. He is also survived by many cousins and extended family including Maura Quinn and family, Breda Minahin and family, Willie and Marie Dunne, Richie and Mary Dunne, Richard Dunne and family, and Josephine Mar. Price Funeral Chapel (916-725-2109), directors.

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