Al Parajeckas

On December 17, 2025, Al Parajeckas passed away peacefully surrounded by his friends and loved ones after a long, courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Al was born in Massachusetts and grew up with his five siblings and parents, Albert Sr. and Dolly Parajeckas. When he was in his early twenties Al decided he was ready to leave the cold East Coast and move to California. While he didn’t have a car or much money, he was so determined he built an open-air car from parts he could find and drove it across country stopping along the way finding odd jobs to pay for gas. Once he arrived in California he never left. His charisma, tenacity and street smarts led him to an incredible career in the dealership industry. Most recently Al served as the General Manager of Crevier BMW and was the first Area Vice President for the PENSKE Automotive Group. Al used his decades of experience along with his genuine love of people to create high-performing teams and a culture that still exists in many Orange County dealerships today.

While Al knew how to have fun and was a good friend to many, he was also an important leader in the automotive industry. He served as the President of OCADA, Auto Show Chairman, and was on the Board of our Political Action Committee. He was always an incredible leader and advocate for our industry and was able to win support on issues. While Al did this mostly through his great salesmanship, there were other times his tenacity simply wore down his opponents. Al had an amazing sense of humor and one of his favorite roles was serving as a Golf Tournament Chairman and emcee where he had everyone always laughing and smiling.

Al’s three great passions in life were his family, golf and the automobile industry and his most joyous moments were when he could bring them all together. He enjoyed helping others and mentoring those around him. He was kind, thoughtful, funny, smart, loving, tenacious and had a gift of greeting everyone with a smile and respect. Al knew everyone and everyone knew Al.

Al had been fighting his battle with PSP for several years. He fought the disease as he did everything else in his life with a “never give up policy,” strength and humor. He continued to inspire everyone around him. Al was always surrounded by friends and family who he continued to engage with until the very end. 

Al is survived by his wife Jill; his two daughters Kristin and Hollie; five grandchildren Kobe, Alex, Cara, Hannah and Tanner; and five siblings Paul, Steve, Joan, Janice and Lynn. He will be incredibly missed by everyone. Our loss is immeasurable and leaves an indescribable hole in our hearts, but there is peace with the knowledge that his legacy will carry on; not only through his family, but through his countless friends and colleagues he loved, laughed with and mentored during his life.  His spirit remains with us guiding us to live life fully with love, compassion, big energy and a never give up spirit. 

Please join us for Mass on January 13, 2026 at The Mission San Juan Capistrano at 11:00am. A Celebration of Al’s life will immediately follow Mass at San Juan Hills Golf Club. All are welcome as we honor his memory and celebrate, share stories and laughter. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CurePSP https://www.psp.org/ in honor of Al.