We are deeply saddened by the passing of Patrick Apollos Swasey on May 15, 2026, at the age of 83. Patrick was born on March 9, 1943, in Jamaica, West Indies, to the late Alfred Swasey and Lucille Swasey. He attended school in the Parish of Manchester, until 6th grade. His father was a grocery shop owner from Belize, Central America and his mother, a homemaker, was from Jamaica, West Indies. Patrick’s father died when he was a young child, which caused his mother and siblings substantial financial challenges. His mother required her children to pursue either higher education or a trade. Patrick decided to become a tailor and proudly excelled in his profession, later gaining an international reputation. When he married Monica Gentles at the age of 20, he already had his own tailor shop. Shortly thereafter, he was recruited to work in Joseph Rolle’s tailor shop in Nassau, Bahamas. After settling in on the island, Patrick was joined by his wife and children.

The family lived in the Bahamas from 1968 until 1974 and attended the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. Because only Patrick was authorized to work in the Bahamas and the family could only reside there, the family had no professional future on that island. Patrick and his family moved to the United States (U.S.), initiated by his wife, who had attended a convention at the church’s headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Patrick was proud that he had children born in three different countries: Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the U.S. Patrick felt blessed to be a U.S. citizen.

The strong faith, work ethic and honesty of the couple helped to pave the way for their success in their adopted country. Patrick’s talents facilitated his entry and residency in the U.S. and made him a sought-after and highly respected tailor. The family settled in Paterson, New Jersey. Patrick worked as a tailor at MacHugh, an upscale clothing store in Ridgewood, New Jersey, for 25 years, until the store was permanently closed. At that time, he was also working part-time at Lord & Taylor in Paramus, New Jersey, where he was immediately offered a full-time position. Patrick’s expertise, collaborative skills, and insistence on excellence earned him great respect and recognition from his colleagues and administrators. Patrick was subsequently offered the position of supervisor for the alterations department. He retired from Lord & Taylor in 2006.

From a young man, Patrick has been unwavering in his conviction concerning our Lord Jesus Christ and steadfast in his faith in the life to come. He believed that Jesus Christ is in heaven, seated on the right hand of God, His Father, and that one day Christians will join Jesus in that heavenly home. He instilled in his children the love of the Lord. Patrick enjoyed singing and listening to gospel and other songs of faith. He and Monica sang acapella duets at home and at church.

Patrick was a family man, an excellent provider, who maintained consistent employment. He ensured that his wife and family always had a roof over their heads, food to eat, and clothes to wear. Despite limited incomes and financial resources, he and Monica worked tirelessly to make sure that the family’s needs were met. Patrick encouraged his children to excel in their academic studies and was proud as each graduated high school and achieved higher levels of education. He was adamant about using appropriate grammar and vocabulary and would respectfully correct others. Patrick’s hobbies included gardening and watching animal documentaries.

After retirement, Patrick and Monica moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia, where they attended the Atlanta edifice of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. Patrick gloried in sharing in testimonies of faith, listening to the Word of God, preached by Bishop Omega Shelton, and assisting with the Friday night service, held remotely, hosted by the Atlanta congregation. When he could not attend church in person, Patrick anticipated signing in to Zoom to watch the live service on Sundays. Even during the final week of his life, he was rejuvenated and energized as he signed on to watch the service. Patrick gave a last speech on May 3, 2026, to his wife and children, extolling the name of the Lord, imploring them to care for others, look out for one another, and trust and serve the Lord for the rest of their lives. In his final days, he stated that if it was God’s will that he was to die soon, he was ready to go.

Patrick is mourned by Monica, his wife of 63 years; his sons Terrence Patmore, Devon Swasey (Nikole), Trevor Swasey (Tisha), Dwayne Swasey (Lilian), Phillip Swasey; his daughters Patricia Swasey Washington and Melony Swasey Freeman (Fenton); numerous grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; church family, and a host of friends and extended family. Patrick was predeceased by his son Dennis Anthony Swasey; his granddaughter Lauren Ashley Swasey; and his grandson Donovan J. Swasey.

Romans 8:38–39

King James Version

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, 1159 Saint James Place N.W., Atlanta GA 30318

Date: June 6, 2026

Time: 9:30 a.m.

If you wish to send flowers, please provide live plants rather than cut arrangements.