Executive Board Member Darryl K. Sweeney Succumbs to Virus

RTO Tower Operator and Executive Board member Darryl K. Sweeney passed away this morning, 4/11/2020, at Jamaica Hospital due to COVID-19. He was 58 years old. Darryl first got sick on March 20th.

He was born on 10/19/1961 and was a lifelong resident of Brooklyn, NY. He joined the Transit Authority in 2006 as a Station Agent, before being promoted to Tower Operator. He worked the midnight shift at East New York Master Tower. Darryl was elected to the Local 100 Executive Board in December 2018, on his first try as one of eight E Board members for RTO. In his spare time, Darryl enjoyed martial arts, playing chess, traveling, and volunteering to help families in need. Darryl served in the U. S. Navy in the 1980s, and was honorably discharged.

He leaves behind a big family. He had 4 children, 3 of whom are still living, including daughter Deja Sweeney, whom I spoke to today. She completed law school recently and just took her bar exam— father Darryl was her biggest supporter. He had one grandson, 7 siblings, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is survived by his mother.

“This one really hits close to home. Darryl was one of our E Board members, we ran for office together, and he sat next to me every month in the Executive Board chamber. He was a great guy, passionate about improving conditions for Transit workers. I’m devastated by his loss and I give my deepest sympathies to his loved ones.” — Eric Loegel, RTO VP. 

Local 100 President Tony Utano offered the union's condolences to Brother Sweeney's family and his friends and co-workers in Tower.  "Darryl is the second elected officer we have lost to this scourge.  He gave his life to the job and this union.  Please pray for him and all members and officers who are afflicted with this terrible virus."