Nazem N. Swade

Nazem N. “Nick” Swade, 84, of Sylvania, passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021 at Flower Hospital. Nick was born in Kuneitra, Syria on April 28, 1937, finished high school and learned to sew. In 1967, Nick and parents, siblings, siblings-in-law, and three children escaped the war by going to Damascus. Once there, Nick and his family lived in a shelter until he was able to start a tailor shop and buy a home of their own. His tailor shop was often noted as the best in Damascus. Nick became extremely successful and continued to live with his extended family. He had a son born with a congenital heart defect which led him to the United States for the best medical care to save his son’s life. Nick later returned to Syria and, despite his business success, helped to immigrate the rest of his family and parents to the U.S. to provide a better life and future for them. Nick chose Toledo so he could rejoin his siblings who had supported him during the trying times. He grew to love this country and its people as his own. Nick bought Alexis Tailors, where he worked for over 30 years before retirement. Nick was known and will be remembered for his generosity and having a heart of gold. He helped so many people and will be dearly missed. Nick is survived by his loving wife, Najat; children, Sahar (Dr. Henry) Naddaf, Manar (Dr. Ahed) Nahhas; grandchildren, Andrew, Dr. Amanda (Dr. Edward) Gildeh, Alexandra, Alicia; great-granddaughter, Chloe; three brothers; two sisters; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jamil and Fariza; son, Jamil; and grandchildren, Brooke and Christopher. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, May 9, 2021 at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, 3754 Woodley Road, Toledo, OH 43606, where Trisagion Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. The family requests, due to health concerns, that condolences be received ONLY at the cathedral. Funeral Services will be held at the cathedral at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 10, 2021 with additional visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. Memorial donations are suggested to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral.