Gary Michael Prentice

Gary Michael Prentice passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, after a short and courageous battle with leukemia. Gary was born in Chico, California, on October 29, 1956. He was the fifth child and the only son of Frank (deceased) and Lucrezia Prentice. Gary was raised in Sacramento, attended St. Ignatius Parish School, and was a proud graduate of Jesuit High School, Class of 1974. He continued his education at UC Davis, and took great pride as a member of the Cal Aggie football team. He earned his teaching credential at Cal State Hayward and started his career in education in the Clovis Unified School District (Tarpey, Temperance Kutner, and Fancher Creek elementary schools, Alta Sierra Intermediate, and Clovis High School). During that time he also taught a year at Public School 109 in the Bronx, NY. Of all his accomplishments, Gary was most proud of his family. He was a dedicated, loving husband to his wife, Renae, and an involved, hands-on dad to Aimee, Adam, and Anthony. He took great pride in his children’s accomplishments, all while teaching them to be humble. He enjoyed attending his sons’ football games and wrestling matches. He was a devout Catholic and member of the Holy Spirit Parish. He shared his faith daily with his family. Gary was always ready and willing to help others. He participated in the church’s Homeless Ministry, led numerous holiday food/gift drives, organized Kids’ Day newspaper sales, and many other selfless contributions to those less fortunate. He was dedicated to his job as a high school counselor and wore many hats to meet the needs of his students.

Gary is survived by his wife, Renae; daughter Aimee; sons Adam, and Anthony. He is also survived by his mother Lucrezia; sister Nancy Sarandria (Pat); sisters Mary Lou, Maureen, Susan, and Anne Prentice; mother-in-law Minerva Foster; sisters-in-law Roxanne Martin (Cameron); and Rebecca Salas. He also has several nephews and nieces, and a multitude of extended family and friends whom he loved like family. His legacy will live on through his children and their faith, his wife, his extended family, his colleagues and friends, and his students whose lives were touched by him. While we will miss him more than any words could describe, we know he left this earth without fear and is now home with Jesus in Heaven.

A Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Church, 355 E. Champlain Dr., Fresno, on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service. A Celebration of Life will be held at Clovis High School’s South Gym at 1:00 p.m.

Remembrances may be made in Gary’s name to the CHS Cougar Foundation or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.