Michael J. Prendergast

Born in Queens, NY on February 20, 1947, Mike was raised in the Bronx by his parents, William and Doris, with his two younger brothers, Thomas and Ed. Mike married his loving wife of 50 years, Maureen (Moran) Prendergast, in 1971. They briefly lived in South Amboy, NJ before moving to their home in Lakewood, NJ in 1973, where they raised their two daughters, Kim and Theresa.

Mike attended St. John’s Elementary School in the Bronx (c/o 1962), and went to DeWitt Clinton High School where he graduated in 1966. He served his country by enlisting in the United States Navy in 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1969. Mike later attended Brookdale Community College and Lincoln Technical Institute where he moved into his career as a Mechanical Draftsman. Past employers include Sanders & Thomas, Maxflight, DSCI and the Lakehurst Naval Base.

Before 2003 when his declining health inhibited his hobbies and activities, Mike volunteered for the National Wildlife Association and the Lakewood Emergency Services/Auxiliary Police in Lakewood and was on the Board of the Lakewood Little League. He was a member of the Ground Swipers Club of Jackson, as well as a lifetime member of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and various Veterans organizations. For many years, he was an usher at St. Mary’s of the Lake/Holy Family Church in Lakewood. Mike was an avid freshwater fisherman, an early bird gym rat, and his love for his Newfoundland dogs was unsurpassed. He loved to read mystery novels, ride his bike around the reservoir, watch all the old western shows, and never missed an episode of Blue Bloods. Mike, or better known as Poppy, was always his happiest when he was surrounded by his six grandsons, who loved him dearly. He was a constant example of courage and determination for them.

Mike married his best friend, Maureen, and they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this past October. Their love was immeasurable and their commitment to each other was unlike any other. They showed their kids and grandkids what true love was by their words and actions. That love can never be erased or forgotten.

To his wife, he was the love of her life; to his daughters, he was their hero; to his grandsons, he was their Poppy; and to all who knew and loved him, he was a friend. He will be greatly missed by all who had the chance to know him. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

Mike is predeceased by his father, William Prendergast (1981), his mother Doris (Berneburg) Prendergast (2014), and his brother, U.S. Army Specialist 5th Class Thomas Prendergast (1969).

Mike is survived by his soul mate and wife, Maureen (Moran) Prendergast, their two daughters, Kim-Marie Farruggia and Theresa Lutz, his son-in-law, Trooper Dennis Lutz Jr, and six grandsons, Thomas Farruggia (age 15), Ryan Farruggia (age 12), Aiden Lutz (age 11), Matthew Lutz (age 8), Joseph Lutz (age 7), and Cameron Lutz (age 3); by his brother, San Diego County Undersheriff, Retired, Ed Prendergast and his wife Cyndi Forsythe Prendergast, (and their daughter Jessica Nosal); his sister-in-law Patricia Hatter, his two nephews, Daniel Hatter and David Hatter (and his wife Lynn Hatter), and his four beautiful, great-nieces, Amber, Cassidy, Kristina and Corinna.

A visitation for Mike will be held Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at D'Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 43 Madison Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701. A burial service, following the mass, will be held at William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Mike’s life at the Repass, being held at his daughter Theresa’s home, in Barnegat, immediately following the service at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Mike’s name to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, the American Heart Association or his favorite foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.