Obituary of Gerard Lawrence Sweikata

Gerard L. Sweikata, also known as Jerry to his family and friends, passed away August 18, 2023. He was born April 2,1940 to John and Margaret Sweikata in New York, New York. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1958 where he served for four years. During that time, he married his wife Loretta of sixty-four years. Together they had their three children. He served as a New York City police officer for twenty-three years until he retired. After moving the Palm Beach County, Florida he served as a sheriff’s deputy for Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for fourteen years. Once retired, he and his wife enjoyed traveling all over the world, going on vacations with their childhood friends and spoiling their grandkids. Jerry is survived by his wife Loretta Sweikata. Children; Donna (Kevin) Kavanagh of Hartsville, SC, Stephen (Sharon) Sweikata of Ridgeville, SC and Glen (Sandra) Sweikata of Jacksonville, FL. Grandchildren; Elizabeth (David) Clark of Hartsville, SC, Rebecca Sweikata and fiancé Micheal Schwartz and Jonathan (Hannah) Sweikata of Jacksonville, FL. Great grandchildren; Lee Kavanagh and Baylee Clark. Sister; Barbara Gail McLaughlin of Levittown, New York. He was proceeded in death by his parents John and Margaret Sweikata. Sister; Patricia Sweikata. Grandson; Christopher Kavanagh. Jerry was a giving man to his family and friends. He enjoyed playing bocce ball and trivia night. He taught us to love God, cherish your spouse, adore your children and protect those that cannot protect themselves. He was truly a humble servant; which is what made him a great man of honor. The funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 23, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Belleview, Fl. In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Jerry’s name to St. Theresa’s Soup Kitchen, 11528 SE US Hwy 301, Belleview, Fl 34420