November 2, 1927 – May 9, 2025

Fr. Thomas Prendiville died on May 9, 2025, having suffered from the onset of dementia in the past year.  Born in Long Beach, California, Fr. Tom was one of the first eighth grade graduates from St. John Bosco School in 1940.  He then entered the Salesian Junior Seminary in Richmond, and made his first vows as a Salesian in 1946 at Newton, New Jersey.  Graduating from Don Bosco College with a B.A. in Philosophy, Thomas Prendiville taught for three years at the Salesian school in Watsonville, CA.  He studies theology in Aptos, CA, and was ordained to the priesthood in May, 1956 by Bishop Timothy Manning.

Having obtained an M.S. from the Catholic University of America and an M.A. in Education from the University of Southern California, Fr. Tom spent the early years of his ministry in administration at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead.  As a physics teacher, a dean and then Director/Principal of the school, he guided the development of the school’s program from a technical high school to a junior college program which gave Associate of Science Degrees in seven major technical areas.  He worked closely with industrial leaders in Southern California to form a strong Board of Trustees for the school as well as keeping both the academic and technical programs in tune with educational advancements.  On the weekends he enjoyed helping with Sunday Masses at various parishes in the area, most notably St. Anthony’s in San Gabriel.

In 1973 he was appointed Vice-provincial of the San Francisco Province of the Salesians.  The following year he became Director of Don Bosco Hall in Berkeley where he provided guidance and spiritual direction to the young Salesians attending the Graduate Theological Union.

He was appointed Provincial of the province in July, 1985.  In this ministry he encouraged the formation of the Institute of Salesian Studies/Spirituality at Berkeley.  The program provided Salesian history and spirituality to Salesians from various areas around the world.  He also encouraged the establishment of the Salesian Educators Seminar in which both Salesians and laity working in the various province ministries were given the opportunity to study in-depth the underpinnings of St. John Bosco educational praxis.

Completing his six year term as provincial, Fr. Tom returned to Berkeley as Director.  He continued to bolster the programs there, and he sought to make the programs recognized internationally.  On weekends he continued to help in various parishes in the Oakland Diocese.

He returned to San Francisco in 1997 as Director of the Salesian community there and as provincial secretary.  He sought to develop the Salesian archives of the province and worked along with the provincial to keep the lines of communication open, especially on an international level.  He ministered at the provincial community residence for the next 24 years.

Assigned to the Salesian community at Ss. Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco, Fr. Tom assisted with various ministerial duties.  He was a patient and kind priest who portrayed the Lord’s merciful and compassionate love in whatever situation he encountered.  He was especially noted among his Salesian brothers as a man who was compassionate and trustworthy, especially in regard to matters on a personal and communal level.In April 2023 he moved to St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower so that he could be close to family members and friends in the Southern California area.  There he continued to experience community life which he valued as well as the care of a staff dedicated to providing for his care and well-being

Funeral Homily for Fr. Thomas Prendiville

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. John 12:24

To Patty and to the family of Fr. Thomas Prendiville and to the Salesian Family present here, I offer condolences and prayers on behalf of the Salesians of Don Bosco of the Western Province of the United States.  We mourn the passing of Fr. Thomas Prendiville, Fr. Tom as we used to call him; Uncle Tommy, as you fondly called him.  What a beautiful day to remember him during our Eucharistic celebration and to put him to rest in eternal peace.

We are reminded in today’s readings that earthly life for a Christian, by virtue of our baptism, is a call to love and to serve others less fortunate as we are.  St. Paul, in his letter to the Romans says that “none of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself; and that each of us shall give an account of himself (or herself) to God.”  In the Gospel of John Jesus says that “the Father will honor whoever serves me.”

We find consolation in the fact that Fr. Tom answered God’s call to love and to serve others.  As a Salesian and a priest, he carried out Don Bosco’s apostolic plan “to be in the Church a sign and a bearer of God’s love for the young, especially those who are poor.” (C #2). He lived for the young and for the Salesian mission and Congregation.

Fr. Tom was a giant of a man who has left a legacy in the Salesian Western Province.  He was ordained in 1956, with his first assignment after ordination as Catechist here at the Salesian High School Seminary.  He was assigned to Don Bosco Tech in 1958 and eventually asked to be the Director in 1965.  From 1965 to 2021 he was in leadership roles as Director, President, Vice-Provincial, Province Secretary and Provincial.  He was highly regarded as a Director by many Salesians, and he was well respected for his wisdom and brilliance as a leader.

The image that keeps recurring in my memory is that of Fr. Tom in a meeting where a difficult decision must be made.  Everyone participates, taking turns to speak and to share their perspective; many times, there will be arguments and disagreements.   For the most part Fr. Tom is silent, but everyone knows he is listening.  At some point, he intervenes and shares a great insight that helps those gathered to arrive at a decision.  Over the years many of us in leadership roles trusted Fr. Tom’s wisdom and would seek his advice.  He was a man of few words but when he spoke people listened.

Going back to today’s Gospel, Jesus says that “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”  Fr. Tom, your efforts and achievements as a Salesian priest have produced much fruit.  Thank you for all the decades of service to the young people, to the Province and to the Congregation.  In 2014 when then Provincial Fr. Tim Ploch was elected Regional Superior of the Interamerica region, at 87 years old I believe you were the oldest acting Provincial in the Congregation ever.  At 91 years old you were still the Province Secretary, and you had the humility and the courage to ask me to relieve you of your duties.

Fr. Tom, we mourn your loss but we remember your life and your legacy.  We love you and we will miss you.

+ Fr. Mel Trinidad, SDB, Provincial, USA West