Peter Dejana, an Italian immigrant who planted roots in Port Washington and continuously gave back charitably to his community, died Thursday. He was 84.
His cause of death is unknown.
Dejana is remembered for his work ethic, brilliance, energy and philanthropic dedication.
“Peter was a friend to all who offered their friendship. He interacted easily with people from all walks and stations of life,” his obituary said. “He found great satisfaction in getting to know people and learning about their lives and life stories. He was modest, wise, humble, and unassuming in all his dealings with people.”
Dejana was president and CEO of Dejana Holdings, LLC, a real estate investment firm, and president and CEO of the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation, a philanthropy based in his American hometown of Port Washington.
“Peter’s love for and dedication to family, friends, hard work, and charitable endeavors have set an example for the countless people whose lives he touched,” his obituary said. “He will be well remembered and much missed.”
Peter Dejana is survived by his wife Geraldine “Jeri” Dejana, his son Tyler Schweber Dejana, his sisters Giovanna “Giannina” Bruce and Antoinette Lewis, and his brother Vincent Dejana.
Nassau County District 11 Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D–Glen Cove) said she was saddened by the passing of Dejana, referring to him and his charitable organization as an integral component supporting the community..
“Through their foundation they donated funds to almost every local organization that I can think of,” DeRiggi-Whitton said in a statement. “Because of their generosity we have the Dejana Adult Activity Center, and they have funded the Nicholas Center – just to name a few. Peter also agreed to be a sponsor for the Diabetes Research Institute and has truly made such a difference in bringing us closer to finding a cure.”
Dejana was born in Italy’s Pattada, Sardinia, the first of five children.
He immigrated to the United States at the age of 16, planting his roots in Port Washington’s sand miner’s housing on West Shore Road. His roots in Port Washington remained for the rest of his life.
A graduate of Paul D. Schreiber High School, Dejana worked to support his family from a young age and aided in their efforts to bring his remaining relatives in Italy to America. He began work as a landscaper.
“Beginning on Shore Road with a single truck and one Jeep with a plow, over a half-century he built the successful, multi-faceted contracting business that became known as Dejana Industries,” according to his obituary
Dejana’s passions were varied, from philanthropy to cars. His fascination with racing cars began in his youth and carried on through his adulthood, with “a passion for speed and performance” his obituary said.
“He enjoyed nothing more than designing, fabricating, fixing, repairing, and generally tinkering with machinery of all kinds – an abiding interest that served him well in business and added greatly to the success of Dejana Industries,” according to the obituary. “He truly had the mind of a brilliant engineer, which he most certainly would have become had he not chosen the path of building a successful business.”
A 70-year resident of Port Washington, Dejana’s love for his hometown surmounted all his passions.
“Port Washington was his home base, his anchor and his reference point in life,” the obituary said.
His funeral was held Monday at St. Peter of Alcantara Church in Port Washington. He is entombed in a mausoleum at the Nassau Knolls Cemetery.
“Thank you for all you did, Peter. Your soft and humble personality was something that I admired so much—you truly are a great example of a life well-lived,” DeRiggi-Whitton said “Rest In peace knowing you made a real difference.”
Dejana’s passions were varied, from philanthropy to cars. His fascination with racing cars began in his youth and carried on through his adulthood, with “a passion for speed and performance” his obituary states.
“He enjoyed nothing more than designing, fabricating, fixing, repairing, and generally tinkering with machinery of all kinds – an abiding interest that served him well in business and added greatly to the success of Dejana Industries,” his obituary states. “He truly had the mind of a brilliant engineer, which he most certainly would have become had he not chosen the path of building a successful business.”
A 70-year resident of Port Washington, Dejana’s love for his hometown surmounted all his passions.
“Port Washington was his home base, his anchor, and his reference point in life,” his obituary states.
His funeral was held on Monday at St. Peter of Alcantara Church in Port Washington. He is entombed in a mausoleum at the Nassau Knolls Cemetery.
“Thank you for all you did Peter. Your soft and humble personality was something that I admired so much- you truly are a great example of a life well lived,” DeRiggi-Whitton said in a statement. “Rest In peace knowing you made a real difference.”
