Dr. Patrick Chukwuemeka Nnoromele

Dr. Patrick Chukwuemeka Nnoromele passed away peacefully at his home on July 13th, 2025, following a long battle with Alzheimer's dementia. At his passing, he was surrounded by family as he took his final journey home.

Dr. Patrick Nnoromele was born in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria, on Nov. 10, 1954, to his parents Adigha Nnoromele and Hannah Otelahu Nwokeoma. Dr. Nnoromele’s drive, unwavering faith in God, and motivation led him to a life filled with love, adventure, and continued blessings. During his primary education, Dr. Nnoromele’s schooling was interrupted due to the Nigerian Civil War. At the conclusion of the war, instead of returning to elementary school, Patrick enrolled in Aba Bible College (now ECWA Theological Seminary, Aba), where he obtained a diploma in Biblical Studies. He then went on to ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja, to receive a Bachelor of Theology degree. At the conclusion of his studies, he became a radio pastor for the Olu ndi Igbo (Voice of Igbo) section of the Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA) Ministry in Nigeria prior to journeying to the United States to attend Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies.

At this time in his life, Dr. Nnoromele made a monumental change to study Philosophy, as a way to deepen his faith. He attended the University of South Carolina and eventually obtained an M.A. in Philosophy of Law from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. He then returned to Nigeria to marry his wife, Dr. Salome Chidiebere Nnoromele, and returned to the United States to complete a Ph.D. in Philosophy and Religion from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City. Dr. Nnoromele was a professor at University of Kentucky and Cedarville University, Ohio, prior to settling in Richmond, KY, and working at Eastern Kentucky University as the University Chaplain and Professor of Philosophy for 23 years prior to his retirement in 2017.

Dr. Nnoromele’s achievements go beyond his work and scholastic opportunities as he continued to give back to Nigeria and his community in Kentucky throughout his life. Dr. Nnoromele never forgot his humble beginnings. He spearheaded a water project to raise money for clean and accessible water for his village in Nigeria, where, to this day, the access to water is still utilized. He also led the efforts of alumni and friends to support his alma mater, ECWA Theological Seminary Aba, to continue the education and growth of future pastors in Nigeria. In Kentucky, Dr. Nnoromele participated in multiple educational opportunities, including Golden Key International Honour Society and the Kentucky Philosophical Association. Dr. Nnoromele was also a teacher for the Governor’s Scholars Program for 25 years prior to his retirement.

In addition to his scholarly and philanthropic work, Dr. Nnoromele had multiple hobbies. He was an avid runner and enjoyed soccer, wrestling, and table tennis. Dr. Nnoromele was also a lover of music and often could be heard singing throughout the family home and in his pew on Sunday mornings at church.

Ultimately, Patrick was guided by his faith in God and helped multiple individuals through their faith journey as a Sunday school teacher at First United Methodist Church in Richmond, KY, for more than 20 years. Through his faith, various roles in the community and in the church, Dr. Nnoromele impacted many lives. He believed that everything he achieved in life was through the grace of a compassionate and loving God. He told those who would listen that “even if Christianity is not true, it still offers the best way to live one’s life.”

Dr. Patrick Nnoromele was preceded in death by: his father, Adigha Nnoromele; his mother, Hannah Otelahu Nwokeoma; his sister, Gertrude Abigail Onuoha and her husband, Francis Onuoha; and his brother, Ethelbert Nnoromele.  He is survived by his wife, Dr. Salome Chidiebere Nnoromele, his four children: Nmeli Chidibere Nnoromele (Killian), Dr. Chinenye Christa Nnoromele Phelan (Aaron), Chidinma Hannah Nnoromele, and Patrick Obinna Nnoromele. He is also survived by his grandchild, Rowan Obioma Phelan, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Songs service (wake keeping/fellowship) in honor of Dr. Nnoromele will be held at the Multi-Ministry Center of First United Methodist Church, Richmond, KY on Friday, Aug. 1st, 2025, from 7:00-10:00pm. Visitation and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 2nd at the First United Methodist Church in Richmond, KY. Visitation will start at 10:00am followed by the celebration of life at 12:30pm. In traditional Nigerian fashion, the family will be dressing in both traditional Igbo and colorful attire for the events to celebrate Dr. Nnoromele’s life. We ask our guests to consider wearing bright colors as well.

The family of Dr. Patrick Nnoromele would like to thank the staff of Dominion Senior Citizen Center and Hospice Care Plus of Richmond for helping care for Dr. Nnoromele towards the end of his earthly life. In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family is asking for donations to Hospice Care Plus, Richmond, KY or a charity of your choice in honor of Patrick and the Nnoromele Family.