Frederick J. Perykasz, 89, of Old Bridge, passed away July 31 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Cream Ridge, Plumsted Township.
Born in McAdoo, Pennsylvania, and raised in McAdoo and New York City, he was a long-time Old Bridge resident and a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church.
A U.S. Army veteran, Fred served his country during World War II in the Battle of the Bulge as a rifleman and machine gunner with the 104th Infantry 26th Division. Fred received a Purple Heart for an injury sustained from shrapnel piercing his helmet, which he credits for saving his life. Fred returned from the war to work as a machinist for the Hudson Engineering Company of Hoboken.
In his retirement, Fred was a devoted caregiver to his wife, Catherine, a supportive father and doting grandfather. An avid sports enthusiast, he was a diehard fan of the New York Jets, as well as a loyal New York Mets fan. Fred loved to be outside in the warm weather, mowing the lawn or just sitting in the sun.
Son of the late John and Victoria Perykasz, he was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Catherine M. Perykasz; a brother and sister-in-law, Theodore Sr. and Helen Perykasz Sr.; and a nephew, Theodore Perykasz Jr.
Frederick is survived by his daughter, Catherine Saville, and her husband, George Ascione, of Cream Ridge; a granddaughter, Amanda Saville; three step-grandsons, David, Danny and Drew Ascione; as well as several loving nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held at the Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown. Interment followed in the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Wrightstown. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Embracing HospiceCare Foundation, 2101 Highway 34 S., Suite B, Wall, New Jersey 07719, or to a charity of your choice.