JOHN FRANCIS PRZECZEWSKI

Wasilla resident John F. Przeczewski, 78, died Sept. 27, 2010, at his residence, after his long fight against brain cancer.

John was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he was the oldest of four children.

As a boy, John loved collecting things and had a passion for building, flying and competing with model airplanes, most of which were of his own design.

He ventured out in 1953 with the Army to Alaska, followed shortly after by his true love and wife, Dotty, that same year. They have made Alaska their home for the past 57 years. John worked civil service on Elmendorf Air Force Base for 32 years after getting out of the service.

His dedication to hard work and ability to balance his devotion and love for family and friends was remarkable, his family wrote.

“John was willing to give a helping hand to a perfect stranger,” they wrote. “Enjoying retirement, he loved the great outdoors and couldn’t wait to catch that next fish. He also just loved tinkering around the house with a project, eating home-cooked meals and watching movies with his wife and dogs, never once forgetting life is good. John was a beloved son, wonderful brother, loving husband, caring father, outstanding friend and always there for whoever needed him. All who have had the pleasure of knowing John will miss him and his great conversations, but will cherish and hold him special in their hearts forever.”

John was preceded in death by his father, John; mother, Clara, and sister, Mary.

He is survived by his wife and life companion of 57 years, Dorothy; sons and their wives, John and Veronica, James and Darla, and Joe and Brenda; grandchildren, Joshua, Daniel, Meghan and Christina; stepgrandchildren, Cody and Jarryd, and sisters, Agnes and Rosemary.

The family extends a special thanks to the staff at Wasilla Hospice for their in-home care and loving support.

Per John’s request, there will be no formal funeral services.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Wasilla.