Harold "Tom" Prentzel Jr.

A Life of Wisdom and Generosity

Harold Thompson Prentzel Jr. (born October 2, 1928) passed away on April 22, 2025 at home surrounded by family after having lived a long healthy pain-free life for 96.5 years. Tom was a gentleman from a by-gone era believing in charity, hard work, adventure and worldliness. As a sentimental and devoted man, he took care of the love of his life Joán until she passed away last year. He was known for his generosity to his 5 kids, 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Pennsylvania, Tom was a blend of many intellectual and simple pursuits. He played football and baseball in high school and later loved golf, biking, walking and mountain climbing. His interest in journalism and politics led him to earn a degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. He joined the U.S. army in Germany after completing a year of college in France so he was able to travel in Europe. After a short stint in the CIA, he began working for Reynolds Metals in International Sales. He eventually owned his own graphics business which combined his love of words and journalism and where he could create booklets about Kampfe Lake and other topics. He gave his time to lead hikes to Torne Mountain, volunteered for the NY/NJ trail conference, taught bridge to Richard Butler middle school students, umpired for Triboro little league and served as a city councilman in Bloomingdale, NJ.

He climbed the highest mountains in 40 states and then tackled Kilimanjaro and Mt. Fuji. He also was a daring soul and went skydiving on his 80th and hang gliding on his 90th birthdays for adventure. His love of bridge never died and he played religiously, while meeting many friends, until his memory became an issue. He was also a prolific reader – typically going through multiple books a week. As an empty nester, he was a frequent traveler with Elder Hostel visiting all 7 continents and he enjoyed cultural events and people of all persuasions. He was a shy man by nature, but for those who knew him, he was warm, loving, caring, humourous and not afraid to share his regrets and feelings. He used quips to teach values – like “beauty is skin deep”, and ‘clothes don’t make the man.” While he was born into wealth, he chose instead to live a simple, humble life surrounded by nature. Tom and his wife Joan lived at Kampfe Lake for 57 years where they chose to live out their lives. As an environmental supporter, Tom inspired his family to camp, hike and appreciate nature as he often drove the family RV to the National Parks and historic sites. Tom was predeceased by his wife Joán Mills Prentzel and daughter Nancy Prentzel. He is survived by 4 children (and their spouses), Jane Pedreira, Tommy Prentzel, Sue (John) Maurer, and John Prentzel. As the glue that kept his family together, he will be missed. But while his soul has left us, his passion lives within our hearts.

Services will be private and a “celebration of his life” will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate in his honor to:

The New York - New Jersey Trail Conference (https://support.nynjtc.org/page/81668/donate/)

The Hydrocephalus Association (Give)

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