John P. Prete Jr.

John P. Prete Jr., aged 70, of Wellington, FL passed away on Friday, April 10, 2015 with his two beloved daughters by his side. John was born on April 4, 1945 to John and Lucy Ambruoso Prete in New Haven, CT and lived in the New Haven area for most of his life, only moving to FL 4 1/2 years ago to be closer to his children and grandchildren. John was self employed for many years, having owned and operated 2 companies which provided sales and service of hydraulic auto lifts for the automobile industry. John's expansive knowledge of all things hydraulic auto lift was nationally recognized, and he eventually developed a Q&A website known as "Ask The Expert." John's favorite pastime, by far, was the coaching of children's sports teams. He spent many years volunteering his time to coach softball, volleyball, and basketball teams in organized community leagues. John's belief that all children on a team, not just those with athletic talent, should play in the game, was what endeared his players to him. Many adults who played for Coach Prete as children expressed their fondness for him and were so pleased to play for the coach who never raised his voice or was harsh with them. This manner of coaching very often led to unexpected victories for his teams. Even non-winning seasons were okay with Coach Prete; he was just happy to be coaching. John is survived by his two loving daughters - Lisa Prete Hynes and Erica Lynn Prete, his son-in-law, Jamie Hynes and his four grandchildren - Abbie, Andrew, Avery and Aubrey, all of Wellington, Florida. He is also survived by three siblings - Joseph Prete of Bonita Springs, Florida, Paul Prete (Elena) of Woodbridge, CT and Sondra Prete Morton of Madison, CT, four nieces and nephews and the many friends who came to know this kind and gentle man who always had time and energy to devote to others. Even within our abject sadness and pain at his loss, discussions of our father, brother and friend revealed that each of us, all of us, felt him to be our very best friend, and his passing leaves a hole in many hearts. A memorial service for John will be held at Palms West Funeral Home at 110 Business Park Way in Royal Palm Beach, FL visitation starting at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, which will be followed by a procession to the nearby military cemetery where he will be given a military burial commemorating his service to his country in the Viet Nam conflict. In lieu of flowers, John's family asks friends to make a donation to support our homeless and wounded veterans.