WEBSTER – Andrew A. “Andy” Pryga, 91, died peacefully on Saturday, October 28, in Harrington Memorial Hospital, Southbridge after a short illness. His wife of 51 years, Irene L. (Belleville) Pryga, passed away in 2004.
He leaves a daughter, Andrea J. Peck and her husband Albert of North Grosvenordale, CT; 4 grandchildren, Timothy Peck and his wife Melissa Wyse of Brooklyn, NY, Kimberly Lamoureux and her husband Robert of Middleton, Daniel Peck of Northampton and Kyle Pryga of Worcester; 3 great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Lilly, and Maddie; a nephew and 3 nieces. He was preceded in death by his son Alan D. Pryga in 2011 and by his brother Robert Pryga of Boynton Beach, FL, in 2017.
He was born in Dudley on August 13, 1932 to Andrew S. and Mary (Kulbacki) Pryga and lived in Webster most of his life. He attended Bartlett High School.
Mr. Pryga was a proud Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, holding the rank of Corporal. In the many decades following his service, he enjoyed attending military band concerts and wearing his Army Veteran attire to show his support of the troops past and present. From his time in the service, his two claims to fame (which he would share with anyone willing to listen) were that while on leave in Japan, he was given the room just vacated by Marilyn Monroe, and he was the bodyguard for actress Terry Moore when she was in Korea entertaining the troops.
Mr. Pryga worked in the shipping & receiving department at the former Wright Line Company in Worcester for many years before retiring in 1994. He was a devoted caregiver and companion to his wife Irene especially during her struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. A dedicated family man, he drove his grandchildren to school and activities for many years.
He was a member of Saint Louis Church, and an avid fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team and of the Providence College Friars basketball team. His favorite pastime was going for rides in his car and frequenting the local restaurants and coffee shops.
A private graveside service with military honors provided by the Webster-Dudley Veterans Council will be held in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace, Old Worcester Road. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street.