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Tim McIntire, OSFS posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
I came to know Tom while we were both in priestly formation at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boyton Beach, FL. What a character! Even when he did do something that was aggravating it was difficult to get or stay mad at him. He spoke loved his tenure at Trinity High School in Ocala, and his work at Iona Prep, where he taught science to the grade-school children. I sensed something was not right when we last communicated in late September-early October. We did not communicate after that unfortunately. A fantastic man, Chrstian Brother and friend.
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Nan Finnegan McCabe posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Sad to have heard of Brother's passing. He was so kind & helpful after my own Brother, Bro. James A. Finnegan passed away 2 yrs ago. I know he was very caring and was there when my brother breathed his last.
My prayers are with all who knew this kind soul.
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Linda Radbill posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Thinking of all those who loved Br Prendergast during this difficult time. Br. Prendergast was my favorite teacher at Archbishop Curley Notre Dame. His teaching methods were unique, which made me love his classes all the more. His love of teaching and care for his students was clearly evident in all his interactions. Sending my condolences and hope that you can find peace in the happy memories of the impact he had on so very many.
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MARK MALARZ posted a condolence
Monday, November 16, 2020
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. Andrew, Andre, Kevin and I were all in formation together. Andrew was the comic of our group, who could forget he and Joe Porter going back n forth about music, sports and the days news. He was always great academically, we studied and he just absorbed. I can still see his rabbit imitation with the fingers on each side of his head, the only brother who could disarm Dennis Crimmins. His soul will be missed on this earth. My prayers to his family and to the brothers for their loss. Live Jesus in our hearts - Forever. Mark Malarz
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TOM HENN posted a condolence
Sunday, November 15, 2020
RIP, BROTHER TOM.. IT HAS BEEN SO MANY YEARS SINCE WE LAST SAW EACH OTHER.. NOT SINCE OUR STREET HOCKEY DAYS IN THE 1970s WITH THE BERGEN CATHOLIC BOYS, PAT BOOTH, JOE REYNOLDS, BRUCE CARIDI, AND THE GURNIAK BROTHERS, TO NAME A FEW .. THE SAVES YOU MADE WITH YOUR GLOVED HAND DROVE ME BATTY .. I HAVE MANY MEMORIES OF THOSE "PLAYING DAYS" .. THANK YOU FOR YOUR MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO OUR FAITH AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AS HE WELCOMES YOU INTO HIS HOME..
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Susan Sapp posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
We first met Brother Andrew at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala, FL. He was loved by all and made my daughter feel welcomed as a incoming Freshman. We will never forget his sense of humor and great smile.
The Sapp Family
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Sharon Rhoads posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
What a truly wonderful human being who poured his whole heart out for Jesus through his school ministry. Our family got to know him while he was Principal at St. Jude Catholic School in St. Petersburg, Florida. He gave to us endlessly as I know he did wherever he was in life. He was just such a sweet and happy man always. He will be missed here, but I know he is celebrating his eternal reward with Jesus at his side. We love you Mr. Prendergast!
Ron & Sharon Rhoads
Ashley, Austin, Parker, Destiny, & Faith
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Lori Schweiger posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Dear John,
We truly loved our friendship with Tom. We met him at St. Jude’s Cathedral school were he taught our son, Anthony. He was an excellent teacher, highly intelligent and funny too! When he came to St. Pete he would stay with us. We took him fishing, which at first he was trepidatious about, but by the end of the day he was driving the boat. He spoke of you often and really loved his family and the kids he taught. We are very sorry for your loss and we will miss him very much.
Love, Ty, Lori, & Anthony Schweiger
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Brian Andre Lemoi posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Br. Thomas Andrew Prendergast and I were classmates and first met on September 7, 1977 entering the Postulancy at St. Josephs Hall in New Rochelle. We were friends throughout our years of formation and we both took the same "religious name", he the English version Andrew and I the French version, Andre. We celebrated many Feast Days together over the years. In 1985, I left the Christian Brothers with great gratitude for the charism of Edmund Rice and the friends and colleagues that had become important to me and remain so to the present day. Tom, was my most frequent contact over the years, and when he was in Florida was a frequent guest at my home in Tampa. When he served as the Principal of St. Jude Cathedral School in St. Petersburg, the school was only a few blocks away and we enjoyed lunch and dinner with great frequency. Even after his return to New York, Tom returned every year to visit his friends in Ocala, St. Petersburg and Miami. When he was here he always stayed for several days at my home. We spoke just a few weeks ago, and I am sure that there is an unanswerable email in his inbox. On Sunday, I thought of him as I dropped his birthday card in the mailbox not realizing that he would never receive it. I am saddened by his loss, comforted by many happy memories especially of his humorous antics and love of his students, and assured of his reward in heaven. May he rest in peace, as surely Jesus, Lived In His Heart, and will be in his presence forever. Brian Lemoi
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Ed Potter posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
I got to know Tom when we were high school classmates at Bergen Catholic. Tom was a very intelligent and very funny person, also a huge hockey fan. Lots of good memories!
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Cynthia DeSisto posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
All the tributes speak volumes about Brother Thomas who I never had the pleasure of knowing, however I love his family, John, Jerri and children very much. I am keeping all of you close in my heart at this so difficult time. Best, Cindy DeSisto
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James B Duke posted a condolence
Monday, November 9, 2020
Miss you already Brother. Your great legacy in Ocala, FL and at Trinity Catholic High School will remain forever. I had the pleasure of working with Brother Andrew as he opened our school and immediately raised the bar to a very high level. He also taught both of my daughters and was truly an inspiration. Students and parents all adored him and the youth loved his quick wit, sense of humor, and practical jokes. May God bless you and your family Brother. I know you are pleased to be reunited with your Mother!
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Christopher M posted a condolence
Monday, November 9, 2020
Brother P basically got me through my time at Iona Prep. He was a great mentor. He would open his classroom early in the morning to help us with math, physics - really anything. Some of my favorite memories were of him when he was my homeroom teacher. He would play a lot of B52's and dance around like the mad scientist he was. He also had many ways to "encourage" us to make donations to the gift basket. I am glad to have read some of the other messages here. He will surely be missed and left us way too early. Brother P - thank you for all you did for me and I am sure many others.
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The Tornatore Family planted a tree in memory of Br. Thomas Prendergast CFC
Monday, November 9, 2020
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Clinton Rodgers uploaded photo(s)
Monday, November 9, 2020
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I'm fortunate to have been in the second graduating class of Trinity Catholic High School, which Br. Andrew ran for the entirety of my time there. It wouldn't have been the same experience without him.
Mrs. Ryder mentioned Br. Andrew being the "Abraham" of TC, but he was also literally the "Moses" too. See the attached photo for reference. For my class, our freshman year started in portables set up in the parking lot of the high school, which was still under construction at the time. Then sometime during that year when it was complete, Br. Andrew dressed up like Moses and "led us to the promised land" of the new buildings. All of us students were carrying our desks and chairs in hand. It was an unforgettable sight to see. Thinking back, I wonder if this was his clever way out of having to move any furniture :)
I also took chemistry with Br. Andrew. While I did learn a lot about the subject in his class, it was the fun and playful way he taught the course that stood out to me. One day when he was teaching us about Avogadro's number (a topic that, as it sounds, could be incredibly boring) we suddenly heard a phone ringing in class. I should note this was before having a cell phone was a normal thing for a high school student. Then, from under his podium, Br. Andrew pulls out this toy phone probably meant for a 2 year old and starts having a fictitious conversation with Avogadro himself!
I kept in touch with Br. Andrew for some time after high school, mostly by email. I just pulled some of them up when I found out the news of his passing. There is one where we were planning to meet up at an Olive Garden with a few of my classmates. In thinking about this get together, the emails we exchanged, all the letters of recommendation I'm sure he wrote for students and so many other small and large ways he gave of his time and attention to us, I feel lucky and honored to have known such a wonderful person.
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Chris Bergmaier uploaded photo(s)
Monday, November 9, 2020
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Brother Andrew was my high school principal and chemistry teacher at Trinity Catholic in Ocala. But to those who knew him, he was much more than that. He was a mentor, a friend, a subtle comedian (sometimes not so subtle...haha), an engaging educator, and a selfless individual always there to promote and support his students...be it in the classroom, on the athletic field, or in their personal life. He was everyone's biggest cheerleader. Brother Andrew was beloved by all of us at Trinity and he will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. We love you Brother Andrew!
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Roberto Fernández, III posted a condolence
Monday, November 9, 2020
Br. Prendergast, was my physics teacher when I attended Archbishop Curley-Notre Dane High School, a really good teacher. His memory has most certainly been a blessing, I still remember his lesson on velocity as well as some of his other classroom antics. He was charismatic, funny, kind and brilliant. His announcements on the school TV were unforgettable. I know that some of his teaching style has informed me as an educator. I’m so thankful to have had you as one of my teachers. Rest In Peace, Br. P.
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Ashlee Raffield posted a condolence
Monday, November 9, 2020
I offer my deepest condolences to his family. Brother Andrew was a one in a million person. I will forever hold his memory in my heart. While I was a student at Trinity Catholic he was with me every step of the way through my grandfather’s cancer diagnosis and was with me the night he passed. He was a true blessing to me during that most difficult time. He had faith in me even when I doubted myself. When I found out I was expecting my daughter at age 18 I doubted my ability to be a good mother and was having a hard time hearing the negativity that others said to me. He told me, “I do not see a pregnant teenager, but a wonderful mother in the making.” After my daughter was born I came back to Trinity for a visit, but stayed in my car crying too afraid to walk in, because of what people may say. He came out to my car, told me to dry my tears, took Chloe in his arms, and carried her around showing her off to everyone. I will forever be grateful for having the opportunity to have him in my life.
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Bernadette Vermersch posted a condolence
Sunday, November 8, 2020
While I've only had a couple of occasions to meet Brother Tom, I hold a lasting memory of his company and conversation. May he Rest In Peace. Sincere condolences to his family.
Bernadette Vermersch
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Lauren Spencer posted a condolence
Sunday, November 8, 2020
So sad to hear of Brother Andrews passing. He was such a sweet, caring guy. Truly a special person. Honored to have known him at Trinity in Ocala. Lauren Spencer
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David A DeSimone lit a candle
Sunday, November 8, 2020
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I will always remember my good friend Tom.
Sandee Ryder Pruitt lit a candle
Sunday, November 8, 2020
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A former teacher in the initial years of Trinity Catholic, Ocala, FL, it is with profound shock and deep sadness to learn of the passing of Br. Andrew. With his staff in hand, planted firmly in the ground, he was the "Abraham" of Trinity Catholic. His faith, spirit, intellect and dedication proved a dynamic, determined force which continues to live on in the lives of so many students he touched. Those were the magical years and the fruits of his institutional and guiding light continue to flourish-a moving tribute to the person he was! In deep remembrance and love, Andrew, requiescat in pace.
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Russ Abbatiello posted a condolence
Sunday, November 8, 2020
A true friend, teacher and mentor - I will miss you dearly. For thirty years you walked with me on my journey - always there to help guide me in the right direction. No one knew of the weirdness and beauty of life than did we. The comedic and sometimes tragic seemed to always find us. But we had each other to laugh about it and bolster each other when we needed it. From a student in your first physics class at Iona Prep to your colleague at Trinity Catholic in Ocala - we were at each others side. You will remain in my prayers and thoughts always my friend. I am grateful to have such an angel in my corner now residing in peace by God's side.
(if I could connect with Thomas' brother, I would appreciate it. I stayed at your house on the cape quite a few times with Thomas and he always spoke lovingly of you. russabbatiello@gmail.com)
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Kevin Worth, RN posted a condolence
Sunday, November 8, 2020
Andrew and I were Novices together in the Christian Brothers in West Park in 1978. He was one of the kindest men I’ve ever met with a great voice, infectious laugh and dry wit. He distinguished himself academically. I can only imagine what an excellent educator he was. My prayers and sympathy to his family and to the Irish Christian Brothers. May God rest Andrew’s soul. Sincerely, Kevin Worth (formerly Philip)
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Victoria Cuesta posted a condolence
Saturday, November 7, 2020
Brother P, you were undoubtedly one of the most influential teachers I had in high school. Nearly all my memories of you are full of laughter. I learned not only so much about science but about life. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who came in contact with you that didn’t feel the same. The world lost a light but Heaven gained and oh how the Lord rejoiced when he welcomed you home. Forever grateful to have been one of your little rats at ACND.
- Victoria Cuesta
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Cindy posted a condolence
Saturday, November 7, 2020
A dear friend for nearly 20 years. He had a wonderful sense of fun which permeated all he did. When we worked together in Ocala he was very kind and compassionate and went above and beyond. He visited my mother when she was in hospice in Venice Fl, the one weekend I could not get there. He was a frequent guest in our home where we would have an evening of chinese food, old movies, ice cream and much laughter. I will miss him and remwmber him with much love and many fond memories.
Cindy Lafferty
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The family of Br. Thomas Andrew Prendergast CFC uploaded a photo
Saturday, November 7, 2020
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