William H. Prentiss ’51 died on May 4, 2018, in Westmoreland, New Hampshire.
(The following was published online at Sentinalsource.com on May 17, 2018):
Our community is saddened by the passing of a renowned businessman and activist for many, William H. Prentiss, eighty-eight, of West Chesterfield, who died on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at the Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland.
His parents, John W. and Grace M. (Bennett) Prentiss proudly welcomed their son into the world in Keene on July 2, 1929. He attended Tabor Academy and later studied at Bowdoin College in Maine.
He married Aurelia Eugenia Albrecht on February 6, 1954. Aurelia “Rae” predeceased Bill on February 13, 2010.
A dedicated and hard worker, Bill ran the Keene Sentinel Printing Company from the time of his father’s death in 1954 until 1980, when he sold the business and retired. He later went to work for Jack Bradshaw for several years.
Always wanting to help others, Bill served those within the community for sixty-two years as an active member of the Keene Lions Club, and also served with his daughter, Pam, in the Chesterfield Lions Club. He was also a member of the Masonic organization for more than sixty-five years, and a member of the Shriners. He was a member of Scottish Rite, where he was the recipient of the of 33rd Degree and Meritorious Service Award. Bill was also involved with the Rural Improvement Association for several years and served as its treasurer.
Bill and Rae loved to camp in their motorhome and would winter in Claremont, Florida, where their nephew, Don M. Sowers, lives. They were members of the White Mountain Ramblers RV Club, where he held the office of treasurer.
He was a member of the United Church of Christ in Keene, and sang in their choir for many years. He also sang with the Keene Cheshiremen Barbershop Chorus and sang in a quarter, “Two Brothers and Two Others,” for many years.
Bill will be greatly missed by many in the community, especially his family, including his children, John W. Prentiss Sr. and his wife, Barbara B. Prentiss, of Dedham, Maine, Stephen B. Prentiss and his wife, Diane Giachetto Prentiss, of Lenexa, Kan., Pamela E. Prentiss of West Chesterfield, Laura Prentiss Mainhood and her husband, Roderick W. Mainhood, of West Chesterfield; his grandchildren, John W. Prentiss Jr. and his wife, Stephanie, of Dedham, Maine, Abigail Prentiss of Enfield, New York, Michael M. Prentiss and his wife, Julianna, of Holden, Maine, Jeremy M. Prentiss of Olathe, Kansas, Brandon N. Prentiss and his wife, Ashley, of Olathe, Kansas, Justin M. Prentiss of Topeka, Kansas; his great-grandchildren, Maggie Prentiss, Ayda Prentiss, and Liam Prentiss; as well as several cousins, great-nephews, and extended family.