STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — It was always a good time for the great taste of McDonald’s, Eleanor “Ellie” Sweeney would maintain. The Golden Arches loyalist and former co-owner of Staten Island’s first McDonald’s restaurant died Saturday, Jan. 27.
She was 90.
Until the end, said daughter Kathy, “She was as feisty as they come. A real cutie pie.”
Son Mike said, “Her whole life was devoted to my dad and devoted to her faith.” Indeed, she was married to husband Gerald for 70 years. A devout Roman Catholic, Ellie attended Mass daily.
As a glimpse into the romantic and fun part of their partnership, said her children, the couple loved to dance and could make a show at weddings doing the Lindy.
The Sweeneys at their Bulls Head location in 1997. From left to right: James, Ellie, Michael and Gerald. (Staten Island Advance File Photo by Frank J. Johns)Pamela Silvestri
DID SOMEBODY SAY MCDONALD’S?
The couple relocated to the borough from Malverne, Long Island, in the early 1970s. Jerry was an insurance salesman who wanted to own his own business and the McDonald’s concept enticed. With six children, however, that idea was terrifying to Ellie.
Her son, Mike, said, “She had to leave that whole life behind to go to something fresh. She was definitely a hero behind the scenes. It was very courageous of both of them. They risked their life savings. Even though she wasn’t comfortable with it, she never let the kids know she was nervous about it.”
But a charismatic Jerry and sweet, personable Ellie proved to be a winning combination for the restaurant business.
Ellie and Jerry Sweeney at a celebratory kick-off to their Graniteville eatery in 1973. (Courtesy of the Sweeney family)Pamela Silvestri
The Sweeneys established their first McDonald’s in 1973 at Forest and Richmond Avenues. The second came to Greenridge in 1978. In 1993, they built a Bulls Head location at Victory Boulevard and Richmond Avenues.
Kathy shared, “She was a delight at the front counter. She…
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