William "Bill" Walter Prentiss

William Walter “Bill” Prentiss died at home on May 26, 2025, at the age of 92. Bill was born in New Rochelle, NY, on February 7, 1933, and spent his early years there. His family moved to Louisville, KY, where he graduated from high school. He attended Yale University, graduating in 1954. He later graduated from the London School of Economics.

After college, Bill served in the United States Navy. Following his Naval service, he worked for Chase Manhattan Bank in London. Upon his return to the U.S., he was employed by Allied Chemical in New York.

In 1976, after moving to New Orleans, Bill opened and managed Hotel Maison de Ville. He later became General Manager of four small hotels including Grenoble House, Prince Conti, Marie Antoinette and Lamothe House. Bill retired in 2017 from Hotel de la Monnaie after serving as General Manager for 24 years.

His grandchildren, who fondly knew him as “Beefy,” provided him with a new lease on life – driving carpools, attending soccer games, trips to the zoo, “The Wiggles” and endless more outings. Spending time with the grandchildren was a treasured part of his life.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Albert Prentiss, and his mother, Marian Dickinson Prentiss; two daughters, Busia Prentiss and Eva Prentiss Quensell. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Susan Wadick Prentiss; brother, Dickinson Prentiss (Marlene); and son, Gage Prentiss (Morgan). He is also survived by his three stepsons whom along with Susan, he raised in New Orleans, Charles Claiborne LeBourgeois, Jr. (Helen), Michael Livaudais LeBourgeois (Marley) and William Cole LeBourgeois (Brooke) and seven grandchildren, Clay, Nina, Morgan, Kingsland, James, Wills, and Lane LeBourgeois.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to caregivers, Yvette Taylor and Monette Johnson, and the staff of Compassus Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Episcopal Church or to a charity of your choice. Burial services will be private with a memorial service to be held later.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com