Richard J. Sweeney, 55, of 55 Harrity Road, Lehighton, formerly of Mauch Chunk, Pa. passed into eternal rest on Monday Feb. 8th at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pa. surrrounded by his loving family & friends. Born in Lehighton, he was a son of the late John & Margaret Johnson Sweeney. Rich was an avid flyer and was last employed as a commercial airline pilot for Allegheny/US Air. He was of the Catholic Faith. Rich enjoyed traveling the globe and meeting people and visiting different countries and in his early years loved being in the out of doors. He is survived by a companion of 22 years, Nancy Speidel of Barnesville, Pa., 1 son Ryan Bowman and his wife Rachael of Lehighton, 1 sister Mary Francine wife of Roger Schoch of Whitehaven, 1 brother Michael P. Sweeney of Nesquehoning, 1 granddaughter, Grace Bowman of Lehighton, 1 nephew Kevin J. McKeever of Jim Thorpe and many close friends. He was predeceased by 1 brother Eugene "Geeg" Sweeney. Friends and relatives are invited to participate in a time of sharing & remembrance on Saturday, Feb. 13th at 11 a.m. at The Andrew P. Ovsak FH , 190 S. 4th St., Lehighton. The visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Sat. at the funeral home. The interment will be held in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Jim Thorpe following the remembrance service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to The American Liver Fund, 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, New York NY 10038-4810 Online condolences may be offered at www.ovsakfh.com