Richard Prasek

Ladislav Richard Prasek, Jr., our beloved husband, father, "Papa", uncle, brother-in-law and friend, passed from the arms of his daughters into the arms of his Savior, on May 11, 2025. He was born in Somerville, N.J. to Ladislav, Sr. and Matilda (Gadzinski) Prasek, the eldest of two sons, on September 3, 1939. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic school, Oratory Prep, and received his degree in psychology from Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J.

He joined the U.S. Airforce in 1963, during the Vietnam Era, and was stationed at Kirtland AFB for his entire four year tour of duty. It is while here, that he met the love of his life, Katie Purtell. They were married January 6, 1968, and returned to N.J. so he could finish his final semester at Seton Hall. While there, he worked for Bell Telephone Laboratories. After finishing his degree, they returned to Albuquerque, in1972, with their 3 children, who would soon be followed by 2 more. He was employed as an administrator for the City of Albuquerque until his retirement.

After retirement, he was free to indulge in his passion for golf, camping and fishing in the Jemez Mountains, "going to the store", and planning the annual family mens' four day camping trip to the Canjilon Middle lake, which he was so proud to have taken part in instigating in 1978. He loved spending time with family and friends, and especially loved sharing all of the above with our 5 grandsons. He was so very proud of all of his children and grandchildren!

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kate, Daughters Maureen Prasek and Colleen Lukas, sons, Terrence (Susan), James and Ken Prasek. Also surviving are his five grandsons, Marcus and Michael Retter, Kylan and Mason Prasek, and Andre Lukas, brother and sisters-in-law, Pat and Sharon , Kevin and Barbara and Tim and Lucy Purtell, sister and brother-in-law Bill and Nancy Purtell-Quaglia, brother-in-law Gene Moser, sister-in-law Colleen Purtell, as well as many nieces and nephews and cousins. Richard is predeceased by his parents and brother Tom.

Many thanks to all for your love, support and prayers, and a special thanks to the staff of Kaseman Hospice for your loving care of Richard, and all of us. You are, every one of you, angels! He was a man of love, faith, integrity, honesty and a great wit (a 25 cent toll charge for walking on his wheel chair ramp!). He battled Parkinson's with grace and dignity. He will be missed more than words can say!

There will be a visitation and rosary at Daniels Funeral Home on Wyoming, at 6pm on Thursday, May 29. The Mass of Resurrection will be offered by Msgr. Bennett J. Voorhies, at 10 am, May 30, at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, 2621 Vermont St. N.E. 87110

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Good Shepherd Center, P.O. Box 749, Abq., NM 87103, Casa Esperanza, 1500 Yale Blvd. NE, Abq., NM 87106 or the American Parkinsons Disease Association, give.michaeljfox.org.