Casper was born July 4, 1919 in Norwood, a son of Lithuanian immigrants August and Annie (Belaketvitch) Perednia. He graduated from Norfolk County Agricultural High School in 1937. He honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He later earned his Associate’s degree from the University Of Massachusetts Stockbridge School Of Agriculture, his Bachelor’s degree from UMass – Amherst and his Master’s degree from Worcester State College.
From 1948 – 1985, he worked for the City of Worcester as a plant science and horticulture teacher beginning at North High School and later Burncoat Senior High School. For many years, he and his late wife, Marjorie, owned and operated Ward’s Greenhouse. For a short while, they were in the wholesale business, but later opened as a retail greenhouse.
Casper was a former trustee of the Worcester County Horticultural Society and a life member of Tower Hill Botanical Garden in Boylston.
He leaves his children, Nancy C. Brisebois and Don Perednia and his wife Laura; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his brother, Dr. William Perednia in California; and nieces and nephews.
Casper’s family will gather privately in Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Rd., On the Common, Shrewsbury Center. Burial with military honors will follow in Mountain view Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
Memorials in his name may be made to Tower Hill Botanical Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston, MA 01505.
