Obituary of John F. Prendergast

Niskayuna-John F. Prendergast, 82, of Niskayuna passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2011 after a lengthy illness. John was born December 8, 1928 in Utica New York to Catherine Murphy and John H. Prendergast. John graduated from Utica Catholic Academy. He married Maria Nolan on November 25, 1950.He held various positions at G.E. and at 24 he became the youngest general Foreman in the companies' history. In 1959 he moved his family to Niskayuna where he was a founder of Value Programs for Industry, Inc. He was highly sought after by major corporations in the U.S. and abroad for his innovative thinking and revolutionary business strategies. He was a pioneer, leader, and preeminent authority in the field of value engineering, lecturing at the highest levels of military and business management. In addition to his business achievements John found great joy from spending time with his family at his cottage on Elizabeth Island in Lake George. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Fatima where he served on many committees. He is survived by his wife Maria Prendergast; two daughters, Kathleen Fraser and Maura Prendergast; his brother Donald Prendergast and his wife Beverley; his Son in-law Bruce Fraser and daughter in-law Elizabeth Prendergast; his grandchildren Shannon Prendergast, Maria Prendergast, Robert Prendergast, Liam Tormey, Rory Fraser, and John Prendergast; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two sons; John K. Prendergast and Robert M. Prendergast; and siblings Mary Lourdes Spellman and Father Thomas Prendergast. A Mass will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima in Schenectady NY. Friends and Relatives are invited to call on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union Street, (at McClellan St.), Schenectady.