In Memory of Jake Swoyer

John Edward “Jake” Swoyer passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home in Sudbury on October 14, 2025, with the love of his family surrounding him.

Born on November 27, 1995 in Newton, MA, Jake spent his early years in Wayland before moving to Sudbury where he resided for most of his life. Jake would have celebrated his 30th birthday this year on Thanksgiving Day which, as a day rooted in reflection, gratitude and appreciation of life’s blessings, feels particularly fitting.

Jake was a cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. He was a beautiful soul who gave and received love unconditionally, blessed us with his presence and changed our lives forever and for the better.

Diagnosed with Dravet syndrome at a young age, Jake faced challenges during his lifetime that few could ever understand or experience. Despite this, Jake lived a full and meaningful life, one that was special and unique only to him.

Jake attended Sudbury Public and CASE Collaborative schools before spending his teen and adult years at home, happily engaged by a team of teachers and therapists who devoted their energy, time and talents to making sure that Jake’s days were fun, full and purposeful.

Jake was courageous, resilient, intuitive, strong and accepting. He possessed the innocence of a child combined with the temperament of an old soul. He found pleasure in simple things like watching birds at the birdfeeder, leaves blowing in the wind or airplanes flying overhead. He would go anywhere in the car, and especially loved going to the store with his mom and on weekend cruises with his dad. He loved bike rides around the neighborhood, boating on the lake and “going fast” as he called it, on both. He enjoyed playing ball and watching sports, and was his brother Ryan’s number one fan at the many games he attended throughout his childhood. He loved music, particularly the Happy Birthday song and Christmas carols, which were on repeat in our home year-round. He loved Elmo and Superman, horses and big yellow school buses, news and weather and “high fives.” Through some miraculous twist of fate, he even loved his doctors and going to the hospital, where he was a frequent flyer for over 25 years. He had little fear, and seemed to have faith in our ability to keep him safe and held in love, even in the most trying of times.

He loved animals, and in his younger years, knew and could say every animal sound by heart. He adored his service dog, Diamond, who was his faithful companion and protector for 13 years.

Jake was instinctively social and affectionate. True to form, he earned the superlative “Fabulous Flirt” in his graduating elementary school class. He had an uncanny ability to charm both close companions and perfect strangers. He was at his happiest in the company of close friends and family, and when anyone visited our home, Jake considered it a “party.” He loved sitting quietly and taking in the conversation around him. We often joked that Jake knew all of our family secrets, and should he ever start talking someday, we’d all be in trouble.

Jake was magnetic in a way that is hard to explain but was beautiful to experience. He had a quiet way of drawing others in, and an almost spiritual connection to nature. Animals were mysteriously drawn to Jake, and would curiously seek him out and lay quietly at his feet. People who didn’t know Jake would often approach and talk to him, gently touching his head or blessing him. Even though he couldn’t express his feelings in words, he had an amazing ability to show love and make you feel special. It was intoxicating to be on the receiving end of that love. Jake’s innate connection to other beings and his intrinsic charisma were gifts that were a privilege to witness.

It was always our goal that Jake live at home with his family, where we felt he should and wanted to be. Nothing brings us more peace than knowing that Jake spent the entirety of his life at home, where he was comfortable, loved, safe and happy. Yet, we recognize we could never have accomplished that on our own. As the saying goes, “you are never strong enough that you don’t need help.”

Jake was fortunate to be supported in life by people and professionals who dedicate their lives to serving and caring for those in need: nurses, teachers, therapists, doctors, social workers, chaplains, care providers, first responders and others. To every person who cared for Jake, provided guidance, supported his needs and treated him with respect and kindness, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Collectively, you were the glue that held our family together and we are so appreciative of your devotion and contribution to Jake’s well-being.

Most importantly, Jake and our family have been blessed with the steady presence of caring and loving family and friends. The unwavering generosity and support that has been showered upon us for almost three decades simply cannot be overstated or captured in words. How grateful we are for each and every one of you.

We’ve often described Jake as our greatest challenge and greatest teacher. We believe that we will carry with us not only the beautiful memories of our time with Jake, but all he taught us. To appreciate the small and simple things. That you can survive, and even thrive, in the face of hardship. That family is the most important thing. That you will find love and support in the most unexpected of places, whether it be from a cherished friend or someone you have never met. That community makes you stronger. That you can learn to accept help with grace and humility.

Jake’s father, John, once said, “Without Jake, I never would have witnessed or known true, unconditional love. Jake is pure, unconditional love.” Jake loved his family, as we did him, purely and wholly. How blessed we were to have a son and brother who only ever received and gave love, started each day with a hug, inspired us to slow down and appreciate simple things and who lit up when we entered a room. He never lived a day without being told he was loved. If we could sum up Jake’s life in one line, it would be that “he only knew love.”

Jake will be greatly missed by his parents, John and Barbara Swoyer of Sudbury, MA; his brother and best friend, Ryan Swoyer of Boston, MA; his grandmothers Patricia Balicki of Westborough, MA and Sally Swoyer of Lake Forest, IL; as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins who meant the world to him. He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Edward Balicki and Vincent Swoyer, and his service dog, Diamond.