ALBANY – John M. Prenderville, 86, of Albany, died Saturday, October 26, 2019 in Samaritan Hospital, Troy, NY. Born in Richmond Hill, Queens, NY, he was the beloved son of the late Raymond and Helen Hally Prenderville. He was also pre-deceased by an infant brother, Robert. Jack was a graduate of St. Francis Prep, and St. Francis College of Brooklyn. He served in the US Army during the Korean War from 1953 – 1955. In the early 60’s and 70’s, he was the head basketball coach of St. Francis Prep, then St. Francis College, where he had an enviable record. Jack was elected to the St. Francis Prep Hall of Fame and The Ring of Honor, as well as the Brooklyn Old Timers and the CHSAA Basketball Halls of Fame.
Jack served as the Administrative Assistant to Congressman Hugh L. Carey and ran his Brooklyn office. He was later appointed by then Governor Carey as Deputy Commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. During his tenure, he was appointed as Chairman of the NYS Athletic Commission to focus on increased health, safety and integrity as professional boxing and wrestling approached the 21st century. At the request of Governor Carey and Commissioner Orin Lehman, he spearheaded the inception and direction of the Empire State Games, the largest amateur athletic competition in the nation.
Jack had been President of the Board of Directors of American Housing Foundation since its founding in 1998, providing affordable rental apartments for the elderly throughout the Capital District Area. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, and was a communicant of All Saints Parish (and the former Holy Cross Parish) for 42 years. For 30 years, he spent summers with his family at Lake Walkill, in Vernon New Jersey. He also was a longtime member of Wolfert’s Roost Country Club. Jack loved his family, golf and good times with his many friends. He was as gentle and kind as he was grand in stature.
Jack is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Byrne Prenderville; his children John M. Prenderville, Jr. (Patricia), Paul Byrne Prenderville (Lindsey), and Maribeth Riley (Michael). He was the proud “Pops” to John M. III, Thomas, Quillan, Eli, Henry and Erin. He is also survived by his brother Gerald F. Prenderville and sister-in-law Peggy Travers.
Jack has donated his body to the Anatomical Program at Albany Medical Center College. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, November 1st from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Hans Funeral Home 1088 Western Avenue, Albany. A memorial mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 11AM at All Saints Catholic Church, 16 Homestead St., Albany NY 12203. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that gifts can be made to the John M. Prenderville ’62 Memorial Scholarship at St. Francis College ensuring Jack’s legacy and love for the “red and blue.” To give a gift in memory of Jack: https://donate.sfc.edu/pages/the-john-prenderville-62-memorial-scholarship or mail a check made payable to St. Francis College, to the Office of Advancement, John M. Prenderville Memorial Scholarship, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 – please mark Prenderville Scholarship in the memo section, or phone 718-489-5361. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Jonnica Donnelly
Dear Mary, Maribeth, John and Paul,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Mr. P was a wonderful man with such a joyful spirit. So fortunate to have him as a neighbor. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Love,
Jonnica
Marlene Recchia
A life well lived. You were blessed to have your dad a long time. May he rest in peace.
Lou Ann & Sara
Mary, thinking of you and your family.
Jane and Vic Victoriano
Mary, pls accept our most sincere and heartfelt
Condolences Jack was a valued and a great friend. His passing is a great loss for everybody. Sincerely, Jane and Vic
Mary Ann and Jack
Mary, John, Paul snd Maribeth,
We are sad to learn about Jack’s passing. He was such a wonderful, fun -loving person who will be missed by his many friends. May the memories of your 60 years be a source of comfort at this difficult time.
Love
Melissa
Dear Mary and Prenderville family,
I have great memories of Jack.. he was so kind and so funny, too.
I am sorry for this great loss.
Sorrowfully,
Melissa Fallon
The Reilly's John, Lisa, Maggie, Molly and Patrick
Dear Mrs. Prenderville, Maribeth, John and Paul,
So Sorry for your loss. Mr. Prenderville was such a great man. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Reilly’s (John, Lisa, Maggie, Molly and Patrick)
Jim Toomey
Mary,
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Condolences to you and the family.
God Bless.
Jim Toomey
Susan K. Tobin, Director of Development
On behalf of Academy of the Holy Names, please accept my heartfelt sympathy during this time of sorrow and loss.
We shall keep John in our thoughts and in our prayers.
Paul Sullivan
Dear Mary and family,
Betsy and I extend our sympathy and prayers.
It was always a pleasure to spend some time with Jack. He always shared a warm greeting, an interesting viewpoint and a great laugh. I treasured his knowledge on so many subjects and his intellectual curiosity.
Stay strong as you mourn and celebrate our wonderful friend.
The Sullivans
Tom Young
Dear Mary:
I was saddened to learn of Jack’s passing, and convey my sympathy to you and your family.
Jack was a public service colleague whom I was fortunate to befriend and admire–dedicated, creative and enthusiastic.
And, of course, one of the original architects and pillars of the Hugh Carey administration–a team that set the bar for competence, character and achievement.
May he rest in peace. God Bless, Mary. Tom Young, Syracuse.
Dick Duckett
The best friend a man could ever have.
David Duckett
Physically imposing, yet kinder and more sensitive than his size. RIP “Uncle” Jack.
Rosemary & Bill Gannon
Mary, So very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I will always remember him as a smiling ,fun friend who along with you introduced us Jersey girls to the wonderful
world of the Brooklyn IRISH. Much love and blessings to you all!!
jerry and alice baxter
many fun times at the prep, sfc and bklyn.know we have you all in our prayers.peace joy love laughter
Charlie Cavanaugh and Connie Riley
Maribeth, Connie and I are very sorry for your loss and wish to offer our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Kate Naughter
Dear Mrs. Prenderville, John , Paul, Maribeth & Family,
I am so grateful for the time and memories with Mr. P. I keep thinking back to his vocals and the kind things he’d say with them. Like when he’d see Seamus he’d say, “Katie…he’s a Naughtuh through and through.” He brought so much life and love to every gathering. I wish we were there in person to celebrate his grand, loving, wonderful life and hug you all. Prayers and love.
–Kate and Seamus