John Tweet

John Andrew Tweet, age 68, passed away peacefully on November 30th with his sister and brother-in-law at his side. He left this world after a short illness but is now at peace in the presence of God and his parents, Pat and Andy Tweet. John’s kind and gentle heart, his passion for supporting animals, his keen eye for design, and his sharp wit will be profoundly missed.

John was born on January 29, 1956, in Green Bay, Wisconsin and was the apple of his mother’s eye from the very beginning. While his older sister, Judy (Tweet) Howald enjoyed having a cute little brother to laugh with and to tease, nothing quite compared to the way in which their mother doted on her only son. 

John graduated from Abbot Pennings High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Thomas University in Minnesota in 1978. John knew from a young age that he was meant for a career in fashion and design, so he forged his own unique path in a field that he loved. His professional life began at Prange’s in Green Bay, where he worked as a buyer. His discerning taste afforded him the opportunity to advance his interest in design on an international level, and he spent time exploring rich textiles from all over the world. One of his most exciting adventures involved a several-year stint in Hong Kong, where he worked with fabric production.

While working abroad, John developed a love of travel that endured for the rest of his life. His home was overflowing with various treasures he picked up from his many trips abroad, but the real pièce de resistance adorning his many couches and walls were the intricate needlepoint canvases he completed over the course of his life. No print was too complex for his master skills.

John eventually evolved his love of fashion into a very successful career in interior design. Following his travels abroad, he moved from New York to Boston and ultimately landed in Florida, where he immersed himself in the vibrant design scene that permeates the gulf coast. While John loved working as an interior designer on several large projects with Clive Daniel, he seemed most content to enjoy Florida’s sunshine with those he loved most. This includes his dear friends; his sister, brother-in-law, their children and grandchildren; and his most constant companion, his pet dog, Rielly.

Paul McCartney once said, “You can judge a man’s true character by the way he treats his fellow animals.” John treated Rielly with the utmost care, compassion, and kindness. The duo was rarely seen apart, especially since two of John’s favorite activities—reading and watching heartfelt shows—could easily be done with Rielly by his side. As an avid reader, John found joy by escaping into the fictional world of books, especially thrillers, and he loved to share his latest picks with fellow bibliophiles. When his mother was alive, the two would compare fastidious notes about their latest reads—an activity they most assuredly are commencing in heaven.

John fiercely loved those dearest to him. He remembered every birthday and holiday, and his home was filled with joyful photos of family. He adored his sister, and his calm presence was a good balance for her. He had the ability to make even the most chaotic of situations seem amusing, a trait that served him well as a designer. He was always fashionably dressed, and his wry sense of humor made him a comedic companion (and great people watcher). His life—while shorter than expected—made an indelible mark on the world, and he left it a better and more beautiful place. 

John is survived by his sister Judy (Tim) Howald; his nephew Christopher (Brooke) Howald and niece Emily (Brian) Sefton; and five adoring great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Tweet, Jr. and mother, Patricia Tweet. The family wishes to thank the staff of NCH in North Naples and Dr. Erik Hiester for their unwavering care in trying to navigate the many complications that evolved from John’s sepsis diagnosis. A deep gratitude is also extended to the many friends and family members who offered support and prayers during this difficult time. 

Visitation will be held at Resurrection Catholic Parish, 333 Hilltop Drive, Allouez, on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Tom Reynebeau officiating. In lieu of flowers, please direct expressions of sympathy to the Humane Society of Collier County.