Harry J. Prentis

Harry J. Prentis, age 97 a longtime resident of South Lyon, passed away June 14, 2018.  He was born January 24, 1921 in Detroit, Michigan; son of Louis and Efstacia (nee Yacaco) Perentesis. He was united in marriage to Shirley J. Ryder on June 9, 1945. They were happily devoted to each other for 71 years until her death in 2016.

After graduating high school Harry continued his education at Wayne State University where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education.  While working on his undergraduate degree, Harry played catcher for the first WSU baseball team.  In recent years he was honored to meet with the current WSU baseball team. He began a career with the Detroit Public School System as a Teacher then as the Personnel Director. Harry believed in continuing education and in 1963 he earned his Education Specialist Degree from Wayne State University. He retired in 1979 as the Assistant Principal at Southwestern High School in Detroit.

He was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of South Lyon and past member of Monteith Church in Detroit.  Having a passion for finance he served as Treasurer for both churches. Harry also served on the Board of Directors at Colonial Acres and on the Tax Review Board for the City of South Lyon. Harry loved to golf with his family and friends, enjoyed taking care of his garden, and liked to accompany his wife to antique shops. He was an innovative storyteller and a very loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his sons Larry (Loretta) Prentis and Jeff Prentis; his daughter-in-law Liz Prentis; his brother John (Helen) Perentesis; his sister Polly Haggis; his grandchildren, Zachary (Stacey) Prentis, Matthew (Nicole) Prentis, Courtney (Charles) Berg, and David Prentis; and his great grandchildren, Nolan, Ethan, Xavier, and Santiago Louis. Harry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his son Lou Prentis who passed away on June 9, 2018.

Visitation will be held Sunday, June 24, 2018 from 1pm until 2pm with the funeral service beginning at 2pm at the First Presbyterian Church of South Lyon, 205 East Lake Street, South Lyon, Michigan 48178. Rev. Michael Horlocker will officiate the service. Mr. Prentis will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the First Presbyterian Church of South Lyon.