John D. Preu

EAST ORLEANS – John Daley Preu, 99, of East Orleans, passed away on December 11, 2012, with his two sons by his side. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Odile (Burke) Preu. John was born on July 23, 1913 in Hartford, CT; he was the son of the late John Francis and Sarah (Daley) Preu.

John was educated in Hartford, and received his degree in art illustration from the Pratt Institute in New York. He became an art teacher and worked for 35 years at Weaver High School, the same school he had attended, retiring as head of the art department. He and his wife moved to the Cape in 1971 after his retirement. John was a very talented artist, he enjoyed painting, making clocks, he was a skilled knitter, and made sweaters for his entire family. He also was a skilled jeweler and shared his talents with those around him.

He discovered the spot that he would retire to on his first Cape visit in 1937. Starting in 1950 he and Odile spent every summer in their cottage, which in time grew to be their year round home of his unique design.

He is survived by his two sons, Christopher Preu and his wife Carol of Louisville, KY, Mark Preu and his wife Diane Heart of Brewster, MA; grandchildren, Todd Preu and Chad Preu of Louisville, KY, and Kelly Lidster and husband Steven of Portland, OR, and Jonathan Preu of Brewster, MA. John was also fortunate in having four great grandchildren; Cameron, Lief, Jasper, and Alison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9am on Saturday, December 15th at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Orleans, MA. Burial will follow in the Orleans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s name to: Orleans Rescue Squad, 58 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA 02653.