Michael Prater

Michael Francis Prater, 36, of Jackson Township, passed away Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, at his home.

He was born in Kingston, on Oct. 10, 1989, and was the son of Scott Prater, residing in Fort Myers, Fla., and the late Catherine McHale Prater.

Michael graduated from Lake-Lehman High School in 2008, where he found his stride on the baseball field. As a talented third baseman, he played a key role in many of the team's victories.

He was most recently employed as a roller operator with American Asphalt, a role in which he was not only skilled, but truly essential. Michael was also a volunteer with the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department in Shavertown. For years during the holiday season he loved heading down to the Fire Hall and spreading Christmas cheer the way he knew how, by embodying the Grinch, and letting his heart grow three sizes that day.

To know Michael was to know what a character he was — someone who showed his love through nicknames, humor, and constant laughter. Fiercely loyal and always dependable, he was the friend who showed up at a moment's notice, ready to help however he could. And not a day would go by without him telling you how much he "appreciated ya."

The oldest of three brothers, Michael cared deeply about his family, and one of the greatest moments of his life was the birth of his daughter, Kaylee.

Outside of work, Michael found joy spending time in his garage; it was always a pretty good okay day when he was watching the "Price is Right" and "Jeopardy!" with Dad. During football season, you could find him there cheering on the Eagles, and in the summer, he'd open the garage doors wide and blast his favorite music. Even though he always had a lot of irons in the fire, Sunday mornings were reserved for early tee times and rounds of golf with his buddies. Michael's favorite holiday was the Fourth of July — celebrated with more fireworks than anyone could count — and he loved stepping back to watch the faces of his family and friends light up during the grand finale.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, the Rev. John S. Prater; and maternal grandparents, William J. and Ann Marie McHale.

In addition to his father, Michael is survived by wife, Carol Manzoni Prater; daughter, Kaylee; brothers, Chris (Amanda) Prater, of Shavertown, and Jeremy (Kayla) Prater, of LaBelle, Fla.; and paternal grandmother, Ingrid Prater.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, at the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., Route 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Back Mountain Little League, P.O. Box 22, Dallas, PA 18612; email: info@bmtll.com.

Condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com.