William Ralph Prassas

Prassas, William Ralph
August 1, 1926 - November 22, 2007
"Peace" came to Bill (William Ralph Prassas) November 22, 2007, after a difficult battle with Cancer and Alzheimer's. Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Los Angeles in his teens where he graduated from Fairfax High School in 1944. He went on to serve in the US Navy and was proud to be on the crew of the USS North Carolina in the Nimitz Fleet at the signing of the WWII Peace Treaty with Japan. At war's end he returned to Evanston, Illinois to fulfill his dream of graduating from Northwestern University in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering. He came back to live in California where he met his wife, had his family and went to USC for his MS. His career encompassed both the aircraft and manufacturing industries. Always a sports fan, Bill participated in both high school and college football and golf. He was a golfer until his health recently failed. Bill enjoyed his last 37 years in the South Bay, especially his membership in PV Golf Club, PV Breakfast Club and his church. Bill leaves his family: wife of 54 years, Barbara; and his much loved sons, James, Phillip and John, their wives, Miyo, Linda and Suzi; and his 8 wonderful grandchildren. Also his brother, Fred; and sister, Judith. The family gives special thanks to the golfers at Harbor Golf Course for their kindness and willingness to play with Bill over these past 4 years. Memorial services will be Monday, December 3, 2007 at 11:00am at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits. Please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories, and to obtain directions to services.