Thomas Prendergast

1944 - 2021

Thomas Prendergast
February 5, 1944 - November 18, 2021
Elk Grove, California - Tom passed away at the age of 77 with family and friends by his side. He was born in Cork, Ireland to Patrick Prendergast and Mary Joyce. Tom was ordained at All Hollow's Seminary and arrived at the Diocese of Sacramento in 1971 residing at St. James Parish in Davis. He served at Presentation Parish, St. Paul's, The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Cross in Santa Cruz and St. Francis in Cardiff, Wales. Toms' ministry was primarily focused in social work. He received a degree in Psychology and certification in Clinical Pastoral Education from the University of San Francisco. He served as Chaplin for Sutter, Mercy and Dominican Hospitals. Tom loved this ministry and had immense compassion for those who suffered. He was a lifelong member of the Irish Wheelchair Association, instrumental in founding a home for AIDS patients in the early 1980's and held babies for countless hours in the NICU. Tom met Maribeth Medich in 1984 and they were married in 1996. Together they would travel the world and raise a family. In 1999 they bought a home in Bandon, Ireland and would spend long summers there with their daughter. He had a deep connection to the struggles of his Irish ancestors and his love for his homeland never left him. He dabbled in genealogy was knowledgeable in Irish history, politics, folklore and music. It was not uncommon for Tom to enter a room and bust into "In The Town of Ballybay" or whatever ditty fancied him that day. Tom could easily be described as eclectic. A frugal man, he saw value in everyday items and struggled to discard broken watches, glasses, electronic parts or even his favorite lounge ware. His passions included flying small aircraft, singing Irish songs, fixing anything broken, playing cards with life-long friends, traveling, watching Jeopardy and completing crossword puzzles - in pen! A highly intelligent man, Tom was an avid reader, amateur historian, and patient teacher. He would help his daughter with all homework assignments and supported her every endeavor. He was not shy in saying Brie was his proudest accomplishment. He never took for granted how blessed he felt to have had such an amazing daughter. Tom had a special talent to make you feel like the most important person in the room. Never short of playful pet names, everyone was "Chief" or "Boss". He made friends everywhere using his Irish charisma. He always had a joke ready and his genuine playfulness won over the hearts of many. He liked four letter words as much as he loved Barry's Tea - there would be no Earl Gray in his house! Tom had a deep faith and livelong devotion to Jesus and this was evident in his walk. He was a man of conviction, integrity, compassion, truthfulness and those around him could feel his joyfulness when he spoke of God. He would humbly deny these traits, but if only to give praise to God for such gifts. Tom will be missed for his contagious smile, sparkling blue eyes, gentle heart, inappropriate sense of humor but most of all his unshakable faith. Tom is preceded in death by his parents Patrick and Mary Prendergast. He is survived by his wife Maribeth, daughter Briana (Nicholas) Russell and granddaughter Skylar. His family in Ireland: Brother Desmond (Siobhan) niece Ciara (Brian) Falvey, nephews Shane, Patrick (Sarah), Desmond (Mary) and great nieces and nephews: Roisin, Suin, Sean, Muireann and Ted as well as numerous family and friends around the globe. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Irish Wheelchair Association's webpage, "donate". Funeral Services will be held at Nicoletti Funeral Home on December 8, 2021 from 4 - 7 p.m. viewing with vigil at 6:00 p.m. December 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Robert's Catholic Church 2243 Irvin Way.