For nearly two decades, the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation has invested in and supported inspiring individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing health, dignity, and prosperity.
As we expand our impact through regional and national initiatives, our commitment to the local Port Washington community remains unwavering. Learn more about our past and some of our biggest milestones below.
1940
A young man with an ambitious heart
At the age of 15, Peter Dejana immigrates to the United States and settles into Port Washington, a community on the North Shore of Long Island, New York.
2010
A foundation is established
Peter Dejana, founder of Dejana Industries, establishes a private, non-operating family foundation along with his wife, Geraldine Dejana.
2017
A Remarkable Turning Point
In 2017, Peter Dejana decides to sell all his businesses under Dejana Industries. By this point, the Foundation had grown to approximately $75 million in assets, which would equate to approximately $100 million in 2026.
2024
The Passing of our founder
Peter’s passing marked a shift in the foundation’s evolution, as much as it called for the preservation of his qualities and spirit of giving. The Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation was renamed the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation, Inc., and Geraldine (“Jeri”) Dejana took charge in leading the foundation’s philanthropic undertakings.
2025
Growth and Development
As the Foundation continues to grow, it expands both its operations and its staff. A continuously evolving portfolio of philanthropic giving demands unified leadership and thoughtful strategy, and the Foundation brings together a team of experienced and bright professionals dedicated to advancing its mission.
2026
The foundation announces a historic philanthropic commitment
The Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation announces that it will invest $26 million to individuals and organizations that embody its vision and values. This commitment represents the largest annual philanthropic investment in the Foundation’s history.
The Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation remained committed to strengthening local communities while expanding its regional and national support for areas such as pediatric patient care, medical research, veteran services, animal welfare and environmental stewardship.
1940
A young man with an ambitious heart
At the age of 15, Peter Dejana immigrates to the United States and settles into Port Washington, a community on the North Shore of Long Island, New York.
1990
Leading the industry
Peter and his wife grew their landscaping and snow removal business into one of North America’s leading municipal service operations. By the late 1990s, Dejana Industries, Inc. and Aero Snow Removal Corp. ranked among the largest municipal service providers on the continent.
2010
A foundation is established
Peter establishes a private, non-operating family foundation along with his wife, Geraldine, known as “Jeri,” Dejana.
2017
A remarkable turning point
In 2017, Peter decides to sell all of his businesses under Dejana Industries and Aero Snow Removal. By this point, the foundation had grown to approximately $75 million in assets, which would equate to approximately $100 million in 2026.
2024
The passing of our founder
Peter’s passing marked a shift in the foundation’s evolution, as much as it called for the preservation of his qualities and spirit of giving. The Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation was renamed the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation, Inc., and Jeri Dejana took charge in leading the foundation’s philanthropic mission.
2025
Growth and development
As the foundation’s partnerships continue to grow, it expands both its operations and its staff. A continuously evolving portfolio of philanthropic giving demands unified leadership and thoughtful strategy, and the foundation brings together a team of experienced professionals dedicated to advancing its mission.
2026
The foundation announces a historic philanthropic commitment
The Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation announces that it will invest $26 million to individuals and organizations that embody its vision for a better society. This commitment represents the largest annual philanthropic investment in the foundation’s history.
The Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation remained committed to strengthening local communities while expanding its regional and national support for community development, scientific research, pediatric and elderly care, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship.