DUDLEY - Alan D. ”Big Al” Pryga, 56, of Dudley, passed away on Friday, October 28, 2011, at UMass Hospital, Worcester, with family and friends at his side. He succumbed to complications that arose after receiving a stem cell transplant during his ten month battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
He leaves his wife of 30 years, Beverly J. (Was) Pryga; a son, Kyle A. Pryga and his fiancee Teresa L. Daniels of Dudley; his father, Andrew A. Pryga of Webster; a sister, Andrea J. Peck and her husband Albert J. Peck of Thompson, CT; 2 nephews, Timothy R. Peck and Daniel C. Peck; a niece, Kimberly Lamoureux and her husband Robert; his Wright Line family and many friends.
He was born and raised in Webster, son of the late Irene L. (Belleville) Pryga. He graduated from Marianhill High School in Southbridge in 1974. He moved to Dudley when he married in 1981.
Mr. Pryga was the shipping supervisor at Wright Line Corporation (now owned by Eaton Corporation) in Worcester for 35 years until his illness.
He was a member of Saint Anthony of Padua Church. He was a devoted fan of Providence College basketball, of University of Notre Dame football and of the New England Patriots. He loved country music and owned an extensive music collection.
Throughout his treatment and hospitalization, Alan always put his family first. He fought valiantly to return home to his beloved wife and son. His courage and determination were inspiring. The family would like to thank Dr. Jan Cerny, Katie Lemansky, RN and Gina Campos, RN, as well as all the staff at UMass who cared for Alan and sometimes went above and beyond to make sure Alan’s needs were being met.
A celebration of Alan’s life will be private. There are no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.