Robert L. Prendergast

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United States Naval Academy

Robert Prendergast Obituary

PRENDERGAST, ROBERT L.
On April 21, 2007, surrounded by his loving family and friends, Robert L. Prendergast, husband, father, papa, friend, shipmate and educator, was lost to cancer. Born to Ferdinand McEvoy and Naomi McAdams Prendergast in Galveston, TX in 1936, Robert graduated from Coral Gables High School to the 20th Company of United States Naval Academy, June Class of 1959. A decorated veteran and loyal servant, Robert served his country for 20 years with tours aboard the USS John R. Perry, USS Fechteler, USS Washoe County, USS Blue Ridge and USNS Bowditch. Tours of duty took his family from Key West to Seattle to Yokosuka, Japan to Honolulu to Midway Island before settling back in San Diego in 1975. While the Navy shaped his life, gave him focus and provided discipline, it fueled his thirst for knowledge. A life long learner, Robert earned his Masters in Oceanography and Education. Robert was a man blessed with great patience and humility and he touched all who knew him. He tackled complex problems with a surreal calm. Never flustered or judgmental, Robert always lived his life in the moment. He approached life with focused discipline and a tender heart. On land or at sea, when others hesitated he was decisive, his confidence and spirit provided the strength needed to do what was right. True to the Navy Creed, Robert was a man of Honor, Courage and Commitment. During his retirement, Bob enjoyed traveling, sailing, and spending time with a gourmet group of 20 years. He shared his passion for education as a substitute teacher with Poway Unified School District. From slide rule to calculator, Don Quixote to organic chemistry, no problem was too simple, no question too complex or left unanswered. He shared his passion with all who would listen and celebrated the smallest of victories with joy. Never one to rush a game of Monopoly, Risk or Hand-and-Foot, Robert's tenderness was perhaps most evident with his dedication to his two granddaughters. He was always there to cheer them on at a soccer game, enjoy a school science night or spend an afternoon at the Wild Animal Park, not forgetting to stop for dessert and a brief explanation of the origin of the species. Always available for duty, Bob will be remembered as a loving, caring man by all who knew him. Robert is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol, daughter Lynn LaChapelle (Mark Robinson) of Escondido, son Robert (Sally Nicholas Prendergast) of Encinitas and granddaughters Sophie and Olivia, and brothers Don Prendergast of Crystal River, FL, Charles Prendergast of Friendswood, TX and Steve Prendergast of Galveston, TX. Services will be held May 11th, at 11 a.m., at the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, 17010 Pomerado Road. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to make donations to the PUSD Patrons in Education, for the Robert Prendergast Memorial Scholarship Fund, 13626 Twin Peaks Road, Poway, CA 92064. WE LOVE YOU PAPA. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on May 9, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Prendergast

5 Entries

John Kelley

May 15, 2007

Our sincerest condolences. My Dad taught with Professor Prendergast for many years at USNA. Dad always spoke so highly of him that when I read of his passing I had to express our sympathies. John Kelley and family.

Betty and Jim Law

May 12, 2007

Carol,
Please accept our condolences.

Stephen Prendergast

May 11, 2007

"The Lord is my Shephard."This psalm expresses the most intimate, personal relationship of a man with his beloved God.Troubles may abound, agony may strike the soul,but there is one comforting thought-"The Lord is my Shephard."As a shephard seeks to guide and care for his flock,seeks pastures in which his sheep may graze, stays close to his flock and helps them grow and develop; so has my brother Bob, and just as he embraces and raises up the sheep who have been injured; so does God, the Divine Shephard, watch over His flock.We,the members of the flock, may sometimes, in our hearts, in our dispair, doubt the justice of the Shephard; we may not understand His ways, but we are confident that He is concerned with our welfare.My brother Bob will be sadly missed by all who he has touched.

Gilbert Enciso

May 9, 2007

I lost my father when I was 10 and my stepdad years later. We are all lucky to have the ones we love in our lives each day and the older I get the more I treasure the time spent with family. I didn't know your Dad, but am familiar with the sense of loss. My hope is that your spirits are bouyed by the many happy memories that live on in each of you, and that you share those memories with the people that matter most to him and your families. We send our warmest wishes to your family and treasure the relationships your Dad has spawned in the wake of the good ship Prendergast.

Carolyn Buckner

May 9, 2007

I am so sorry to hear that Bob passed away. I remember him so well for the many times he substituted at our school. He was so warm and friendly and always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone he encountered. Even after his surgery, he called to say he was looking forward to some half-day sub jobs.
Having lost my dad in December, I know what you're going through. I pray that your entire family will be comforted and surrounded by God's healing love as you go through this time of loss. Hold fast to your wonderful and precious memories of this great guy!

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