Petraq Dhana

WORCESTER- Petraq Dhana, 84, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 14, 2021 surrounded by his loving family, at his home in Worcester. He was born August 01, 1936 a son to Gjena (Gjermeni) and Leksi Dhana in Fier, Albania.

The first lessons he would never forget, he would take from his wonderful parents. He would study for the first time in his hometown. Like many of his peers, it was not easy for him. But he kept going. At the age of sixteen, without obtaining a passport yet, after a short pedagogical course, he was appointed teacher. In the following years the new teacher would wander from one village to another. He grew up and stood in front of the students. He never made any request or complain. In 1959-1960 he completed the studies of secondary education in the Normal of Elbasan. The wise Petraq went forward with the deep conviction that he was performing a sacred duty of teaching. Everybody loved him because of his loving character and devotion and his name had already become known in the district. He was appointed inspector in the Education and Culture Department and he worked there for 13 years, scrupulous in his work. He became soon like an icon to which teachers (known and unknown) prayed... because he stayed away from officialism and he used to help them all. Meanwhile, he continued his higher studies at the State University of Tirana, which he completed in 1970 - two degrees: Albanian language and literature & History-Geography.
Polite to all, fair in the duties he performed and reasonable in the conclusions, everyone wanted to be near him at work. He worked another thirteen years at the head of Education Sector with a warm heart and common sense during all his activity. He put all his experience in the service of people. He considered the task a mission. During this working time, he was constantly active in the press, publishing various articles of an educational nature.
In the recent years of his career, starting from 1987 until 1992, he has been the deputy director of the Agricultural High School in Lushnje. Married to Arsino Ndrio, a talented teacher, the Dhana spouses gave birth to three wonderful children. They met as two young teachers and they spent a whole life of sixty years of wonderful love together. In 2010 he and his wife moved in USA, near his elder son, Ardian, where he lived a dignified life as an american citizen till now.

Mr. Dhana leaves behind many that will miss him dearly, including his loving wife of 60 years, Arsino (Ndrio) Dhana, his three children: Ardian, Armand and Alketa three grandchildren: Glenis, Davis and Joshua along with several relatives and friends.

A role model of a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend...the role model of a MAN!

Family and Friends will gather to celebrate Petraq's life on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 with visiting hours from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm at the Callahan Fay and Caswell Life Celebration Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. Burial will immediately follow at Hope Cemetery, Worcester.