A funeral mass was offered March 12 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, North Bergen, for John Prato Sr., 69, of North Bergen. He passed away March 9. John worked for the North Bergen Recreation Department after retiring from ITT and Sharp Electronics. John loved being outdoors, but only when temperatures were in the 70’s and above. He was an amazing gardener, taking much pride in his tomato plants and eating the fruits of his labor well into the colder months. John was a fixture at the fields of North Bergen Baseball, Football and “Colors” Basketball because he loved the kids involved. He volunteered countless hours by coaching hundreds of children throughout the town he so loved. John most enjoyed spending time with his sons, John Jr. and Nicholas, his grandchildren and most importantly, his wife, Janice. Watching his sons play sports was something he never missed and was always on the sidelines. Most recently, he enjoyed Friday evenings surrounded by his son’s friends, enjoying a few cold ones before heading to the field to watch his grandson play football. John was a mentor to many over the years, offering so many words of wisdom, encouragement or guidance. Whatever the situation, “Mr. Prato” always had great advice to give or bail money for those who needed it! His smile, charismatic personality and presence will certainly be missed by whoever had the privilege of knowing him.
John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janice, his sons, John Jr.and wife Gina, Nicholas and wife Stacy, grandchildren John Dante, Anthony, Gianna, Michael, Nicholas, Angelo and Anthony, his Mother, Muriel Prato, brother Thomas, sisters Jean (and George) Zdziarski, and Carole Hoffman; many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Services arranged by the Vainieri Funeral Home, North Bergen.