Louis Francis Prato

Louis was born on May 21, 1946, in Chicago, to Alyce and Francis Prato. He grew up in Evergreen Park, IL. He attended Brother Rice High School and Western Illinois University on a football scholarship. He received a Masters in education from Illinois State University.

Family was at the heart of Lou’s life. He was the beloved husband, best friend and companion of Rosemary, his sweetheart for more than 75 years and his wife of 57 years; the devoted father of Vince (Alison); and the incredibly proud grandfather of Ever and Sonny.

He loved nothing more than traveling with his family, watching his grandkids enjoy their favorite activities and spending time making memories, from Florida to New Jersey and everywhere in between.

A natural teacher, coach and motivator, Lou spent more than 40 years as an educator and coach, including many memorable years teaching physical education, health and driver’s education at Reavis High School in Burbank, Illinois. As a varsity football coach in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, he earned the respect of generations of students and players with his knowledge, fairness, straightforward style, quick wit and unmistakable sense of humor. He also coached baseball, basketball, and track. In the 1990s, he was inducted into the Illinois High School Coaches Hall of Fame.

Under Lou's leadership, the Reavis football program reached extraordinary heights, including multiple IHSA state championship appearances in the early 1980s. His success on the field was matched by the character he instilled in the students he coached. To Lou, football was never just about winning games, it was about discipline, pride, teamwork and becoming the best version of yourself. As he always said, “Make it happen.”

His impact on Reavis lives on today. The school's football stadium, Prato-Wierzal Field, bears his name, a lasting tribute to the coaches whose leadership helped define an era of Reavis football.

Decades later, former students and athletes still remembered “Coach Prato” and the impact he had on the people they became. As one of his former players said, “You gave us the tools to be successful. I hope we made you as proud of us as we were of you.”

Anyone who knew Lou knew his leadership, loyalty, generosity. He held himself and his students to a high standard, while simultaneously making everyone in his orbit laugh and feel cared for. Whether he was coaching, teaching, spending time with family, working out, or playing golf or poker, Lou had a way of making a lasting impression.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s in Sarasota, FL and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. A private memorial will be held later in the year.

Coach Prato spent his life-giving others the tools to succeed. His legacy lives on not only in the family who loved him deeply, but in generations of students and athletes who carried his lessons with them into their own lives. He is already tremendously missed.