Obituary of Joseph Peraic

Died peacefully on September 25th. Born in Polaca, Croatia on February 17, 1931. He leaves behind his wife and devoted caregiver of 52 years, Maria, his son Steve (Susan, Montse), and daughter Sandy (David). He found immense joy in being an active grandfather to Luke and Max and held tremendous love for his granddaughters across the ocean Julia (Tom) and Luci (Will) as well his great grandchildren William, Eleanor and Lily. He leaves behind his sister Stoja and is predeceased by his father Krsto, mother Ika, brothers Stipe, Ante and Jure and sisters Boja, Sophia and Maria. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews that he adored. He came to Canada as a refugee and landed on Pier 21 in April of 1957. He spent many years labouring on Canada's early railroads in the east and in logging camps and commercial fisheries in British Columbia. He later went on to start his own drywall, home building and land development companies. He lamented not having had the opportunity to be formally educated but made up for it by being an avid reader of history, politics and biographies. He enjoyed travel and it was not uncommon for him to come home with airline tickets for a flight leaving in two days to visit his beloved Croatia. He was in his element when surrounded by friends and family. He loved a party and revelled in the large Croatian house parties, church social events and being at the Croatian community centre playing bocce and cards with his friends. Thank you to all his dear friends and family who came to visit him. Special thanks goes to Dr. Harris and the entire Palliative Care Team, in particular Ashley, for their care. Visitation will be held at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 o'clock. Prayers will be held on Sunday night at 8:30 pm. A Funeral Mass weil be held at St. Leopold Mandic Church, 2889 Westminster Drive, London, on Monday morning at 10 o'clock. Interment in St. Peter's Cemetery.