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Tribute Tree in the Honor of Bernard (Bernie) J. Sweeney
June 29, 1932 - February 11, 2022
The Shade Tree Commission from time to time votes to dedicate a tree in the name of an individual to be recognized for their community service and dedication to the Borough of Atlantic Highlands. Candidates for this award can be nominated by any Atlantic Highlands resident or business.
A nomination goes to Bernie J. Sweeney, an Atlantic Highlands resident with an outstanding community work history.
Prior to Atlantic Highlands, Bernie J. Sweeney was a native of Jersey City. He started his career as a reporter for the Hudson City Dispatch newspaper and as a Director of the Jersey City Police Department.
In the 1970s, Bernie was coaxed by some Atlantic Highlands residents to recreate the success of Jersey City’s renowned Casino in the Park catering venue, where he was the proprietor. As such, Bernie and his wife Kathleen moved to Atlantic Highlands, and what started as a small hotdog stand is today The Shore Casino located at the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor.
For over 46 years, the Shore Casino held scores of weddings, proms, parties, and fundraisers for the Atlantic Highlands borough, the surrounding Monmouth County communities, and the State.
Bernie became a larger-than-life, prominent citizen in Atlantic Highlands. He was renowned for always being there to offer a helping hand to those in need. His personal legacy is one of generosity, charity, and service to others. He has been a special friend of local police, fire, and emergency departments, and for always having a facility ready to accommodate whatever was needed to help someone else. Much of his service to others has been conducted anonymously. Here is a small example of some of his major recognitions and honors:
- Honored by numerous militaries, and charitable, political, and fraternal organizations, for his donations to their special causes.
- An Honorary Member of the PBA (#242)
- Awarded over 200 plaques for his dedication and commitment to his community and public service.
- United States Army Veteran
- Served four years as a paratrooper during the Korean Conflict.
- A portion of Simon Lake Drive and First Avenue has been renamed Bernie Sweeny Way.
The location of Mr. Sweeney's tree has yet to be determined.
