Emery James Vajda, 52, of Derby, died June 23, at Griffin Hospital, after losing his battle with cancer. Born in Bridgeport, he was a son of the late Imre and Violet Augusztin Vajda. He was the loving husband of Patricia Waterbury Vajda.

Besides his loving wife Patty, a sister, Violet Mayo of Sandy Hook; his daughters Stephanie Vajda, Christina Alicea, and husband Jay, and Shannon Sterling, and husband Phil; and several nieces and nephews survive Mr Vajda. He was known as Papa and Tata to his five precious grandchildren.

Mr Vajda was a self-employed carpenter. He was an avid fisherman, loved the Dallas Cowboys, had a passion for NASCAR and was a huge fan of #3, Dale Earnhardt. His biggest enjoyment in life was spending time with his family.

Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services Thursday, June 27, at 7:30 pm, at the Dennis & D'Arcy-Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main Street, Stratford. The hours of visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm, prior to services.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the family via the following link: http://gfwd.at/11Bo7an.

For online condolences, visit http://www.dennisanddarcy.com/.