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Sto Corp. Loses Michael Sweeney

Thursday, January 27, 2011

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Michael E. Sweeney, media relations manager for Sto Corp., passed away unexpectedly Jan. 4 at age 47.  No cause of death was released.

Mr. Sweeney was a 10-year veteran of Sto and was well-known throughout the coatings industry. He was responsible for public relations and advertising at the company.

“His skills in developing a web of relationships with vendors and the media will be missed, but his humor and good nature will be missed even more,” said Julie Chalpan, a colleague. “He was dedicated to Sto's future, and worked hard to create a better company and even more enjoyable working environment for all.”

Building Products Industry Veteran

Mr. Sweeney had a long career in the building products industry. He had served as communications director for the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association; associate publisher and trade show manager of PK Marketing Inc., where he was editor of Georgia Builder magazine; marketing manager for Hebel Building System; and editorial director for Electronic Packaging and Production magazine.  He was a longtime member of the Public Relations Society of America. 

Mr. Sweeney was active in the Knights of Columbus at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Conyers, GA. He enjoyed camping with the family and teaching his daughter, Suzanna, how to play tuba. Contributions may be made to the Sweeney Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo (Account # 6938543219) at any Wells Fargo location.

Mr. Sweeney is also survived by his wife, Joyce; daughter Abigail; his parents, and a sister.

About Sto Corp.

Sto Corp., based in Atlanta, Georgia, produces a broad range of cladding and coating systems for building construction, maintenance and restoration. The company’s products include high-performance coatings, restoration products, cladding systems and air/moisture barriers.

The interim media contacts for Sto Corp. will be Michelle Leader (678.553.3284 or mleader@stocorp.com) and Julie Chalpan (770.363.7085 or Julie@focusunlimitedpr.com).

Comment from Susan McGrath, (2/8/2011, 1:35 PM)

I am Mike's sister, Susan. I am still absolutely amazed at the outpouring of feelings being expressed about my brother. I always knew Mike was a special person, but to see and hear how many lives he touched makes me and my parents speachless at times trying to reconcile how "big" Mike really was. I want to THANK all of you from the bottom of our hearts for your love and kind words that you have genuinely shown for my brother. I feel truly blessed to have had him in my life for such a short time. I am quite sure he has Heaven rolling in the aisles! Thank you once again for your kind words.