Nicholas Prete Obituary

My deepest condolences. To me he was Uncle Nick" and I remember when I was a kid my parents and I visited him and it he took us to little Italy to one of his favorite restaurants and we had such a great time. He was a very funny man. I used to love watching him and grandpa Jerry talk/argue politics or how to make the meatballs at Christmas. And like grandpa, you could see that strong work ethic. I will miss him very much. I love you all. Peace.

Dear Dolores and Cousins,

Even though I cannot be there my heart and prayers are with you all. The stories we use to hear from Grandma about Uncle Nick and Christmas Eve with us of there. Those memories will always be deeply rooted in my heart. As I think back of the years when we were children life seems so simple. I know Aunt Mary was there to greet him with my Dad right beside her and Grandma holding out her arms to give him a big hug. The essence of your father will live forever in my heart. I feel a part of me has past with your Dad and his legacy will continue in all of you. The last time I visited your Dad was our sister trip and your father was so full of life and stories, the union, the steel plant, life during the war, his mother and his beloved sister. He was a great man and accomplished so much in his life. He will be missed by all.

Your loving cousin,

Dear Delores and all my beloved cousins,
My heart is with all of you even though I cannot be there in person.
I have so many memories of Uncle Nick but I keep coming back to a story he told me about his life as a thirteen year old boy. Many years ago I taught at Out Lady of the Angles School which is the same school Uncle Nick attended. My class was working on a history of the school through the decades and I called to ask Uncle Nick what his memories were of 8th grade at O.L.A. He called back and we talked a long time. He said practically every kid in school had a close relative in the war, but few had two brothers in the war. He said all the boys acted very tough and said they couldn't wait to be old enough to enlist. But the news reels at the Alamo theatre secretly terrified him. He also told of a newpaper drive that was a competition among all the Catholic schools to collect the most papers. Nick said he was driven to collect the most papers. Aunt Mary and Grandpa helped him as he dragged bundle after bundle of papers to the collection area. No one collected more papers than he did and ultimately he collected the most papers of any other kid. This story was the blue print for Uncle NIck's life-work harder, care more,do more - more intensely than most people would ever thimk of doing. Whatever he did whether as a Dad , a union leader, or a Business man, he did it with all his heart and soul -right down to feeding those cats at the plant. He loved us all - for all his fierceness and wanted a better life for you and us and really all his fellow men. He made so much more of his life than probably anyone back in 1943 would have dreamed, maybe he even surprised himself at his success in life, but what a life and what a man. I love you all and I loved your Dad too. Your loving cousin Nancy

Dear Prete Children,

My sincere condolances on the passing of your Dad. I have so many dear memories of him growing up. My mom adored him. She sure loved to laugh with him and tell stories. I'm sure heaven is having quite a reunion. Please know you are all in my thoughts & prayers during this sad time. It is my hope that your pain will turn to peace as you remember all the lovely memories he left you with.

Mary Lou(Paul) Miller & Family

Although it's been many years since I've seen your dad, I still have many fond memories of him. The thing I remember the most is what a good friend he was to my mom and dad. He was there for them through laughter and tears. He was a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I know you will carry his love and memory
always in your hearts.

Kathy Copeland (Kovarik)