Honor Craig P. Sweeney: Supporting his family

Our dearest Craig Sweeney passed away on 10/10/2024 (A-10 symbolism). The loving husband of Susan Sweeney, beloved father of Kelly Salmon, with whom he shared an indescribable bond, and son-in-law Lee Salmon, whom he loved dearly. Son of Colleen Sweeney, brother to Brian, Joe, and Shannon.

A native of Traverse City, MI, where he graduated high school and started college at Northwestern Michigan College. He was an Eagle Scout and avid in cross country/track. After two years, he joined the United States Air Force in 1986. After basic training, he started his military career in Mountain Home, ID. His next assignment was in Upper Heyford, England, where he met the love of his life, Susan, and worked on the F-111. They were married in England on 8/15/1987. He completed his Associates in Applied Science from the Community College of the Air Force on 4/28/1989. Craig was a perpetual student of all things. He was always in school or studying for rank. From England, their next assignment was to Pope AFB, NC. This started the bulk of his military career working on the A-10. Kelly, the light of his life, was born on 4/28/1991. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautical on 8/3/1995. From NC, their subsequent assignments were to Korea (A-10),

Spangdahlem, GE (A-10), Lakenheath, England (A-10), and finally Kirtland, NM (C-422). He completed his Master of Aeronautical Science on 10/31/2004. After just shy of 27 years, countless deployments, and TDYs, Craig retired from the United States Air Force, rank Senior Master Sergeant, in 2011.

After his time in the military, Craig and Susan settled back in his hometown of Traverse City, MI. He attended culinary school, where he would work for the Great Lakes EPA on a research vessel as a chef. After working 6-month stints on vessels, he hung up his professional chef hat to work in the school district with special needs children. In Dec 2019, after much consideration, Craig and Susan sold everything to become nomadic and live off the grid while RV’ing throughout the country. After 3 years of life on the road and meeting some incredible people, they decided to settle down in FL.

Craig first and foremost enjoyed spending time with his family outdoors. Kayaking, hiking, trying out new restaurants, riding his motorcycle, cooking, camping, living a minimalistic lifestyle, wearing Hawaiian and tie-dye shirts were among his favorite things.

Craig's life was cut incredibly short after a 3 1/2 month aggressive battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers or food I’ve set up this gofundme acct as a centralized way for those who would like to express their love and support to the Sweeney family. All generous donations will go directly to Susan and the family to help ease this difficult transition period.

Please honor Craig by toasting him with a Jack and Coke, grabbing a bag of saltwater taffy, or a scoop of chocolate ice cream.

Thank you for helping honor Craig’s memory. Info on his memorial service will be updated on this page as plans are made.