Emery James Vajda, age 52 of Derby passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Griffin Hospital after losing his battle with cancer. He was the loving husband of Patricia Waterbury Vajda. Born in Bridgeport he was a son of the late Imre and Violet Augusztin Vajda. Emery was a graduate of Bullard Havens, class of 1977 and 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 Ernhardt. His biggest enjoyment in life was spending time with his family. Besides his loving wife Patty, he is survived by his daughters; Stephanie Vajda of Derby, Christina (Jay) Alicea of Waterbury and Shannon (Phil) Sterling of Naugatuck. He was known as Papa and Tata to his precious grandchildren; Marivette, Sean, Ethan, Violet and Victoria. He is also survived by a sister Violet Mayo of Sandy Hook and several nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Thursday evening, June 27, 2013 at 7:30 pm at the Dennis & D'Arcy – Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main Street, Stratford. The hours of visitation will be held Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm at the funeral home prior to services. For online condolences please visit http://www.dennisanddarcy.com/. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the family via the following link: http://gfwd.at/11Bo7an