Philip "Phil" Prieto Jr.

The world of Bowling in the City of El Paso has a rich history and today, October 15th, 2022 Philip Prieto (Phil) one of the greatest bowlers in that historic history has passed away.
Phil Prieto was born in Temple, Texas in 1943. Residing in El Paso for 75 years.
Phil graduated El Paso High School and went on to attend Texas Western College where he earned a degree in Physical Education. He then pursued a degree in Physical Therapy at the Grady Vaughn School of Physical Therapy at Baylor University Medical Center.
He proudly served in the U.S. Medical Corps. He established a horseback and bowling program for wounded Vietnam soldiers with an emphasis on amputees. He had a physical therapy practice in the heart of downtown El Paso for 30+ years; where he also assisted UTEP over the years.
Phil was a skilled young bowler who qualified for his Professional Bowlers card at only 20. Prieto through his legendary bowling career of five decades recorded seven Pro Bowlers Association regional titles, five Senior All-Star Bowling Association titles, three Texas State Championships, the El Paso 1969 All Events Championship, and the 2011 Doubles title. In 1985 he had an 876 series which was the highest score in the nation that year, a Texas record until a few years ago, and still an El Paso record. Phil has rolled 27 perfect 300 games and 7 800 series. He was inducted into the El Paso Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1992. In 1996 he was inducted into the Texas State Bowling Association Hall of Fame.
In 1985 Prieto along with three partners opened Bowl El Paso, which over the years became a great showcase for bowling in the Southwest. In 2011 he was inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame.
Phil was a passionate and talented wood carver. He loved making carvings for his friends and family, usually their dogs and horses as keepsakes. Woodworking brought sheer pleasure to Phil and he loved the joy it brought the recipient.
Phil and Janis, his wife of 42 years loved to travel across the country in their RV. They loved to scuba dive, go 4-wheeling, fish, boat, waterski, golfing, and hike. Most of all, they loved their golden retrievers and took them everywhere with them.
Preceded in death are his son Brody Prieto (ALS), Esperanza Prieto (mother), and Philip M. Prieto Sr. (father). He is survived by his wife Jan, son Brian (Kami), his brothers Ron (Sukie), Lester (Kim), Leigh (Linda), and Ed (Christine), grandchildren, one great-grandson, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Services will be held at San Jose Funeral Home East (Pellicano) on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, with visitation beginning at 10:30 am. Services at 12:30 pm. Burial to follow at Fort Bliss Cemetery at 2:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the ALS association or Golden Retriever Rescue of El Paso, Texas.