Preston William Lord

Preston William Lord, sixteen, kind, loving, funny, intelligent, and extremely thoughtful young man. Preston passed suddenly on October 30th, 2023, one month after his sixteenth birthday with his sister, Tatum, mother Autumn, father, Nick, and stepmother Melissa by his side.

Preston recently celebrated his 16th birthday on his junior homecoming day and had a wonderful time with friends. He was proud and happy passing his driver’s license test and getting out on the road. He was finding his independence and loving his newfound freedom. He was a member of the Combs High School basketball team and golf team. He played for many years on youth football and soccer leagues, and always continued to work hard developing his skills to be a well-rounded athlete. He loved his family, friends, hooping, gaming, theme parks, Marvel, M & M’s, the beach, the color: orange, cool fall days, holidays, pizza, and burgers, and recently discovered a joy for golf.

Preston was known for his unwavering love for the Seahawks and Celtics, and loved bantering about his teams with family and friends. He loved and appreciated going to packed stadiums, and watching his favorite teams surrounded by fellow fans, just as equally as being home watching games on Sundays with mom or dad. His numeracy skills landed him the role of statistician for he and his friends’ fantasy football league. Preston was content with what he had. Unless he had his eye on a new pair of Jordans or a game that he wanted, he prefered to save his money. He’d always help or cover the cost of things if people didn’t have enough. Preston was loyal, trustworthy, and responsible. He had empathy for children and was gentle and kind. He stood up for the weaker person and knew the difference between right and wrong. He inspired many people to be better, and to do better. Although he had many friendships, there was no one he looked up to and admired more than his big sissy.

Preston was very academic and has received many scholastic honors: most recently, his sophomore academic letter and pin. Additionally, he participated in various school leadership roles including Vice President of National Junior Honor Society, President of his Elementary Student Council, as well as Sophomore Class Historian. Preston was also awarded the 2023 President’s Education Award from the U.S. Secretary of Education. His leadership skills were recognized when he earned the National Student Council Distinguished Student Leader Award.

Preston is survived by his mother, Autumn Lord, his father, Nicholas Lord, his sister, Tatum Lord, his stepmother, Melissa Ciconte, his grandparents, Tony, and Luanne Reich (and) Edward W. Lord, his Great Grandfather Edward F. Lord, his uncle and aunt Sean and Rina Curiel, their children Shuny and Ame, his uncle and aunt Nate and Melissa Lord, and their children Rylee, Brady, and Aubree.

A viewing will be held at Mariposa Gardens in Mesa, AZ on Friday, November 10th from 4-8pm and is open to family and close friends. Preston’s memorial service will be held on Saturday November 11th at 10am at Mission Community Church in Gilbert, AZ followed by a graveside burial that is open to family and close friends, with a reception following at Mission Community Church.