Obituary of Paul R. Petaja

PETAJA - Paul Ray, 75, died January 23, 2017 in Jensen Beach after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He leaves his devoted and loving wife MaryAnn of 28 years, his daughter Jacqueline Delancey (Mike); his son Michael (Terry); three stepsons, Brian (Heather), Douglas (Suzanne) and Matthew (Karen) Zimmerman, and 7 Grandchildren. Paul is survived by his brother Victor "Bucky" Petaja (Della) and two sisters; Kathy Petaja and Linda Moore; his niece Tracey Broadfield; his nephew Victor Petaja, Jr. He was predeceased by his brother Bill Petaja, several years earlier. Born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and raised mostly in Laurium, Michigan, the son of Reino and Hilda (Makinen) Petaja. Paul served in the Navy in his early years and later settled in New York and employed by the NYC Transit Authority until his retirement when he relocated to Jensen Beach, Florida. Paul was an avid stamp collector, enjoyed traveling with his wife and enjoyed working on projects around the house. Reposing at Perry Funeral Home 118 Union Avenue Lynbrook on Friday January 27 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. A prayer service will be held at 9 AM Saturday at the Funeral home with a private burial following.