In a world so polarized and divided, it is a breath of fresh air to meet a man like Peter Dejana, who passed away last week at the age of 84.
Peter would refer to me as “my rabbi.” He was interested in learning about my family and Judaism. He appreciated our large family and enjoyed meeting our children. We discussed how the Talmud analyzed ideas and how Judaism seemed to defy mortality.
The Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation consistently sponsored Chabad’s annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting celebration at Bar Beach.
This speaks volumes about the kind of person Peter was and the kind of person Jeri is. Again, in our crazy world of labels and divisiveness, this is special! We’d have a better world if we had more people like this.
“It’s all in the name,” says the Talmud.
I found two key meanings to the word Dejana: 1. Given by G-d; 2. To take action. Peter seamlessly combined both. He was clearly gifted by G-d with extraordinary gifts of smarts, talent and strength of character.
At the same time, nothing was given to him, nor did things come easy to him. He took action. Which is exactly the Torah’s approach to success: It’s all a gift; but because G-d loves us, He empowers us to be His partner in actualizing those gifts. So, you must take action; if you do nothing, nothing happens.
One of his innovative businesses, of which he took special pride, was airport snow removal.
He invented mighty machinery to accomplish this difficult task in the quickest time possible, and he was proud to discuss this with me.
These conversations left an impression on me, as they highlighted one of the most important life lessons: When life sends you “snow”—coldness and treachery—don’t be afraid.
Gather all inner might you can muster, plow through the proverbial snow, the negativity and challenge, and you’ll be ready to “take off” and reach even greater heights.
No one accomplishes great things, or even reaches their own capacity, without first facing real challenge and overcoming it. That’s just the way G-d made things. And the wisdom in it is quite evident.
Peter’s life was exactly that. He faced plenty of “snow” that needed to be overcome, including the tragic, untimely losses of his brother and his son.
On top of his very humble beginnings. But he kept on plowing forward, and he certainly “took off” and achieved great things.
Story: A wealthy miser arrived at the pearly gates but was refused entry. In desperation, he pulled out his checkbook and asked: “OK, how much?” To which the angel replied: “Here, we don’t accept checks, only receipts.”
Peter Dejana was surely welcomed to his heavenly reward with open arms, escorted by truckloads of receipts for the vast number of generous gifts he made to such a diverse group of organizations and individuals.
And that kindness and generosity does not end now. It will continue, perhaps indefinitely, through The Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation. The soul of this giant man returns home, having accomplished its mission par excellence, while overcoming many an obstacle in the process.
The greater the person the greater the loss. I know this is an extremely sad time for Jeri, Tyler, and April.
It’s also a sad time for all those who knew and loved him. I include myself in that group. I found myself shedding a tear when I first received Jean-Marie’s email about his passing. I send my deepest condolences to the family. This loss will hurt a lot because it is indeed a great loss.
Welcome home, Peter. You’ll be missed. Rest in peace.
Rabbi Shalom M Paltiel
Chabad of Port Washington
