Lowell "Bud" Pereau Sr.

Lowell “Bud” Pereau, Sr. passed away unexpectedly on March 25th, 2024. He was 90 years old.

Bud was born on October 14th, 1933 to Clarence and Mary Pereau (Hagey).

He grew up on the Morningside Farm at the southern end of Port Henry, where he learned the value of hard work, a quality that would serve him well until the day he died.

After life on the farm, he transitioned over into service as the Town of Moriah’s milkman from the 1950s to the 1970s, where he formed many lasting memories with people far and wide across the region.

When milk delivery drew to a close, Bud went to work at the Grand Union in Port Henry where he would again serve the public, becoming a crucial part of management. He would work there from around 1971 to 1997.

After a brief stint back on the farm to care for his aging father, Bud began working once again at was then Norm & Molly’s and later Boyea’s Grocery & Deli, and he would work there until the day he died.

It is fair to say that Bud found his true calling in life serving the public working in retail. He found the perfect place for his quick wit and larger than life personality, and over the years formed relationships with numerous people in the community.

In his family life, Bud would find the love of his life Ella Mae Westover and they would marry in 1960, and were married for nearly 64 years. Together they raised their family, having a daughter Jill (Stevens) and son Lowell, Jr. And over about a twenty five year period, Bud also treated John Boyea like his own son, working together first at the Grand Union and then John’s own store.

In 1995, Bud was blessed with two twin boys for grandsons, Thomas and Caleb Yakalis, and they were the light of his life.  

In his spare time, Bud loved the New York Yankees, the Duke Bluedevils, and riding his motorcycle. Bud could often be seen riding around town for many years, and had various motorcycles down through the years. He loved spending time with his family, whether that was at Christmastime, going to the auction with his wife, or just watching tv in the evenings.

He also spent many hours in the summer working his garden, always staying in touch with his agricultural roots. He also served the community well as the Treasurer for the Moriah Fire Department, a position he would hold for over 50 years.

He is predeceased by his sister, Natalie (Hamelin), his brother Galen, and his parents. He was also predeceased by several aunts and uncles, having been born into large family on his mother’s side.

He is survived by his wife, Ella Mae, his daughter Jill and her husband Todd, son Lowell, his two grandsons Thomas & Caleb (Yakalis), his brother in law Norm (Molly) Westover, his two half sisters, Gloria Pepper and Betty Green, his half-brother Fred, and lastly, his “other son” John Boyea, and many other friends at Boyea’s who loved him. He is also survived by his son Galen, daughter Valerie, grandson Jeb, and granddaughter Lexi.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 29th, 2024 from 4PM to 6PM at Harland’s Funeral Home in Port Henry, NY with a private burial in the spring. A celebration of life will also take place on March 29th, following calling hours at the Moriah Eagles Club.  

Donations in Bud’s Memory may be made to the Moriah United Methodist Church or the Moriah Fire Department.