Francis Prendergast Obituary

Kathleen and family I´m so sorry to hear about the loss of this good man. St Sylvester class member of 1964
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I played football at Kelly for 4 years, graduated in 1955, and went to
Iowa State on scholarship, thanks to Coach Predergast's help. He taught us the "belly" Georgia Tech used to run. I remember fooling the referes with it. He was a great influence and contributor to all of our successes in life.

I just read about the passing of Coach Prendergast today in the CTU Union Teacher Magazine. I did my student teaching at Kelly High School and will always remember what an upbeat guy he was. Later, when I worked there as a substitute teacher, I enjoyed talking with him whenever I saw him (he used to refer to me as "Kid!") My very best and warm thoughts to his family!

Kathleen, I graduated from St. Sylvester in 1964 and if I'm correct so did you....I am so sorry to hear about your Father altho you were blessed to have him so long which was wonderful. Keeping you and your family in my prayers, Joe Hernandez, [email protected]

My late husband, Bill Kucinski, played football for Coach@Kelly H.S.all 4 years and he was my homeroom teacher Jr. & Sr.Year. He influenced both of us so much that Bill became a High School Coach, also.
Rest in peace Coach Prendergast, and I'm sure you're talking games & plays with your former player, right now!

I played Varsity Football at Kelly High School 1955 and 1956. He was a positive person/coach and fondly remembered. He attended our 50th HS reunion and we were so impressed at his memory of our team and players, and also of particular games. My sympathy to his family at his passing. Tom Gaura

I remember coach walking through the halls at Kelly back in 1979-1981....I heard nice things.....sorry for your loss....he was a good man....Michele Govea KHS *81

Dear Kathy - I send you my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your dad. I have good memories of him coming out to California when he was coaching you in different track meets. He was always very kind to me and to my mom. He will be greatly missed. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Kathy Johnson

I was a member of Kelly's 1965 - 1966 football team. I remember the "coach" well.

A good man who always chose the high road . Greatly influenced my life

I played for the coach, '62-'65. I have many fond memories of those days. He taught many lessons that have carried on throughout my life.. He instilled in me the, "don't quit and always hustle kid" attitude. My sincere condolences to the family...RIP Coach!

Bill Brogan, #10, Class of 1965

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To the family of coach,
I'm very sorry for your loss, but his ideals live with me every day. Hard work equals reward. In my case standard teaching didn't get through to me, his drive and his talks about life and the game painted a future for me. But I didn't know it at the time. Today I'm a construction superintendent with a great, loving family. I attribute this to you Coach. We will meet again.
-Mike Bitinas Class of 1980

I have never met Francis, but I know that if I did, I would have seen the face of Jesus in him. I live in Berlin, Wisconsin, & have heard so much about the love that he spread through coaching, through THE TIME THAT HE GAVE TO THE KIDS. Please know that Francis will always be in my prayers, though I have never met him, I know him through Scott Kosminskas, my friend, and know that he was a man of love beyond words. Thank you, Francis, for serving the Lord---teaching and coaching were the mission God had for you.
With my most sincere sympathy,
Dennis Klak

Rest In Peace Coach, thank you for being in my life and the lessons you taught.

RIP Coach. He was truly a great guy

Played for coach from 78-80 he was a great man and coach RIP

Joe La Rosa

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Coach Prendergast at Kelly High School. He was a warm person with a great sense of humor. I know that he will be missed.

Offering Condolences to your family. Though I was a Band Geek and not an athlete, Coach P remembered me very well when we crossed paths at the beach one day quite a few years after high school. A good and fair man. RIP

While I didn't play for Coach Predergast @ Kelly High School, I admired his coaching style and his genuine concern for all his players, and it would have been an honor to play for him.

I'm running one more lap for you Mr Prendergast.