Laura Ann Prete – 62 – of 23 Northridge Dr., Arkport, NY, formerly of Hornell, died early Sunday morning (May 9, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.
Laura was born in Hornell on September 16, 1958, and was the daughter of George & Patricia (Brosnan) Prete.
Laura grew up in Hornell on the Eastside, where she attended Bryant Elementary School and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1976). She later attended Alfred State College where she earned her Associates Degree in Marketing.
Shortly after her graduation from college she was hired on as a teacher’s assistant in the Hornell School System working with special needs children. Laura was not a person to stay idle as she also worked part time jobs bartending at the Williams Inn, Ruperts, Knights of Columbus, Johnnie’s Ristorante, among others as well as working for Steuben ARC. It was through her many jobs that Laura developed many, many friendships and is missed by many as evident in facebook posts.
Laura was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She had been an active member of the Hornell Woman’s Democratic Party and Carducci Lodge Ladies Auxiliary Sons of Italy. Laura was also a past member of Ladies of Columbus and Catholic Daughters of America. She was a proud American but was equally proud of her Irish/Italian heritages. Laura’s passions included a nice cup of coffee, listening to Irish music, supporting the Hornell Red Raiders and Penn State Nittany Lions, and was known to enjoy a “little” shopping as well.
Although Laura was never blessed with children of her own, she absolutely adored her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces & great-nephews. She was also a loving daughter, fantastic sister and a true & loyal friend!!
Laura was preceded in death by her fiancé, Frank Fawcett who died April 21, 2002.
Surviving are her parents, George & Patricia Prete; two sisters, Barbara (Chris) Maker of Arkport and Georgiann “Gigi” Prete of Quincy, MA; one brother, Mark Prete of Arkport; her nieces & nephews, Rosario (Catherine) Prete, Lindsey (Steven) Nichols, Jared (Hannah) Maker, Brianne Maker and Anthony (Mandi Covis) Prete; great-nieces & great-nephews, Amelia Prete, Mason Nichols, Charlotte Nichols and Barrett Maker; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and the Maker/Prete family dogs Max and Oliver.
Family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at St Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at the conclusion of calling hours at 11:00 AM with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
The Memorial Mass for Laura A. Prete will be streamed via YouTube and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday at 11:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.
Laura’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Hornell Human Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843 or St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843 or the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620.
My sympathies to the Prete Family. Laura cherished her family so much. We will miss her. RIP, Laura.
I can’t express my deepest condolences for the Prete family during this tragic time. Laura was one of the most selfless people I had the pleasure to know as well as the whole family. May you memories, family, and friends surround you with comfort. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Dearest Cousins,
Our hearts go out to you in your loss of Laura, a terrible shock to us all. I am going to miss all her E-mails and the friendship she created with me over the years. I am still in Texas and sorry to say we will not be able to make the funeral. In fact we fly home to NY and arrive with luck tonight in Syracuse at almost 11 PM if the flights are on schedule. I hope we get to see y’all again this summer if there is a Scaglione reunion. God bless you and your families. Much love, Frank and Barbara.
My heart’s go out to the family Laura was a very good person and a very good teacher I had her teach me for many years it was a very sad tragic when she passed away the family are very good people and she taught me alot that I did not know I will be praying for the family threw these tuff times
Jimmy, Laura & Prete family:
Such a beautiful service for Laura yesterday. Even though she was only there in Our hearts, she would have truly loved it. She was such a beautiful soul, I will always feel her with me. Until we meet again dear friend, Fly high!!