A Longtime Rockford Register Star Columnist Has Passed Away

In every city there are a few people that really make an impression. They stand out, their outspoken, and they really know how to get things done. These people become a major part of the community and are partly responsible for positive changes. Rockford lost one of those people this morning. Chuck Sweeny, a longtime columnist for the Rockford Register star passed away this morning in his home at the age of 70 according to rrstar.com.

Sweeny had been with the Register Star since 1982. I've only been here a little over a year but I already knew his name and I have read a few of his articles. Chuck was known for writing columns that criticized local political figures. Others were about how he appreciated the area as he was born and raised here. He covered major stories about big moments in Rockford's history. He brought up local issues he didn't like in his columns until something was done about them. Sweeny's final column will appear in Tuesday's paper. Chuck Sweeny will definitely be missed. Mayor McNamara said that Sweeny was " A Strong advocate for our community".