Paul Prendergast

Paul Prendergast of New City, NY, 87-years old, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on November 10, 2023. He was pre-deceased in September by his beloved wife, Christine. He is survived by his daughter, Micaela (Sahib) Bennett and son, Thomas (Catherine) Prendergast. He is also survived by three grandchildren (Matthew, Robeson and Caitlin). He cherished time spent with family and friends especially with his grandchildren who made him very proud.

Paul was born in Pittsfield, MA to Michael and Genevieve Prendergast on March 23, 1936. He was predeceased by his brothers, William and Leo. He proudly served his country in the Army while stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. It was there where he met the love of his life, Christine, who he married on May 1,1965. Their love for one another was timeless and inspirational.

Paul taught Social Studies and Economics at Eastchester High School from September of 1965 until his retirement in June of 2000. A beloved educator at Eastchester, he left his indelible mark on hundreds of his colleagues and students through his unique style of teaching and deep commitment to the well-being of others. He spent his free Summers taking the neighborhood children on the family camping trips to Taconic State Park at Copake with hikes to Bash Bish Falls and then managing the West Nyack Swim Club with James Breen, whose friendship showed up whenever Paul needed him most. Upon retirement, Paul stayed connected with Eastchester High School through field trips to correctional facilities, the Garment District and Wall Street. He devoted himself to volunteering at People to People daily for over 20 years. A man who liked to stay busy, Paul often visited Vanderbilts to drop off a treat, lend a hand or grab a tool for one of his many projects.

Paul was known by many nicknames: Lists, Prender and Easy Ed. He was a man of simple pleasures: a single scoop of vanilla ice cream, cutting wood for the fireplace, tinkering with his trains, chasing squirrels and feeding birds, teaching everyone the difference between “can” and “may,” his prolific dinner-party quizzes and all things Army. Paul’s clever wit, command of random facts, love of children and prescient life lessons will be missed terribly. He was a humble man who lived his life in the service of others and will be remembered forever for his kindness and concern.

The family will receive visitors at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home in New City on December 2, 2023, from 2pm to 4pm with a memorial service celebrating Paul’s life immediately following at 4pm. The family will hold a Toy Drive in Paul’s honor and request that you consider donating an unwrapped, new toy or game when you attend the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s honor can be made to People to People, Inc., 121 West Nyack Road, Nanuet, NY 10954 or via this dedicated link: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTk4OTQy