Andrew “Drew” Joseph Perejda, 87 years old of Holliston, MA passed away after a short illness on Friday, July 9th, 2021. He is survived by his sons, Richard Perejda and his wife, Virginia of Wildwood, MO, John Andrew Perejda and his wife, Julie of Decatur, AL, Christopher Perejda and his wife, Catalina of Holliston, MA, David Perejda and his wife, Jody of Brookline, NH; a daughter, Catherine Moran of Hudson, MA; and his wife, Mary Ann of Worcester, MA. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren; Julie, Eric, Chris, Kelley, Sean, Grace Ann, Alex, Kael, Kelci, Darcee, Matt and Jake Perejda, Katie and Maggie Moran and 6 great-grandchildren; Elyse, Evie, Warner, and Conrad Perejda as well as Wyatt and Emmett Rufkahar from Missouri, Colorado, Alabama, Massachusetts, Washington State, New Hampshire and British Columbia. He was predeceased by his brother, Father George John Perejda C.Ss.R., his daughter, Mary Ann Perejda, and his stepfather, Fred Paliwoda.
Andy was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada the son of the late Andrew and Maria (Fenik) Perejda. He graduated in 1952 from St. Clair High School in Windsor. He received a degree in Engineering and Mathematics from the University of Windsor in 1954 and a BS Mechanical Engineering from the University of Detroit in 1957. In 1966, he received an Executive MBA from the University of Chicago. He held various engineering and executive positions at Chrysler Motors in Detroit and Kokomo, Indiana; Maremont Corporation in Chicago and Servotronics, Inc. in Buffalo, NY. He followed his entrepreneurial passion and moved his family to Boston in 1974 where he owned and operated several businesses including Prinstant Press, Paco’s Tacos and FMS, a management consulting business.
Andy married Mary Ann Cole on July 2, 1955 and they began raising a family of 5 children. The family enjoyed vacations most years to new and interesting places that always included a beach, which was one of Andy’s favorite places. The children remember his gentle “Rise and Shine” chant that meant there were places to visit, projects to build or chores to do. Andy enjoyed spending time with his mother, brother (Fr. George) and treasured family. He loved attending family graduations, weddings, christenings and other family gatherings, especially when dancing was involved. Later in life he traveled to many countries around the world with his good friend and companion Patty Rozak. In 2016, Andy returned to Boston and due to medical reasons could only travel occasionally to visit his family, but he continued to reach out and enjoy them.
He was admitted to Massachusetts General in Boston on July 3rd where six days later he peacefully passed away after spending a few days enjoying his local family, those who traveled from St. Louis and Denver to Boston and those connected via video. He told everyone that he loved them, and those days were some of the best days in his life.
His will be missed dearly, remembered forever for his warmth, kindness, and wit, and will always be a light for his loved ones.
Dad, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, after being a fighter all your life, now rest peacefully in the hands of Our Lord God. We love you!
O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester is assisting the family with arrangements.