John Bernard Prendergast

John Bernard Prendergast of  Rigsdale, Ballinhassig, Co. Cork, formerly of Clara Upper, Co. Kilkenny, passed away suddenly at his home on April 6th, 2021. He was 68 years old. Born to John and Bridget Prendergast, John was the sixth of 13 children. He was raised in Clara Upper where he attended Clara National School and St Kieran’s College in Kilkenny. After graduating St. Kieran’s College, John attended St. Patrick’s Missionary Society in Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow, where he graduated with a degree in Theology and Geography. 

John worked various jobs after he graduated college. He loved to travel and help people. Following these two passions, John found himself spending time in the United States and Poland where he dedicated 17 years of his life to preaching the gospel before eventually moving back to Ireland. 

Upon John’s return to Ireland, he worked for New Ireland Assurance and later for Richard Anderson and Co. He built a strong relationship with the Polish community in West Cork and enjoyed helping that community with their insurance and welfare needs.

He would marry Iris Anderson in 2002 in his native Co. Kilkenny. Although he lived in Cork, he was very proud of his Kilkenny roots. John loved sports, especially Kilkenny hurling. He enjoyed staying fit, gardening, reading, traveling and spending time with his family, friends, and of course his two dogs.

John will be remembered as a friendly, honest, and candid gentleman. He was a straight shooter, yet always kind and generous. He was known to many as outgoing and personable. He had a deep faith, a forgiving spirit and always saw the best in people.

John is survived by his loving wife and soulmate Iris, his family, Clive, Glenn (Caroline), Miriam (Kent) and Michael (Tannis) and Isabella. He is also survived by his siblings Marjorie (Michael) Chawke, Kathleen (Pat) Breen, Dick (Margaret) Prendergast, Michael (Breda) Prendergast, David (Nuala) Prendergast, Mary (Bernard) O’ Gorman, Paddy (Margaret) Prendergast, Martin (Mary) Prendergast, Frank and Peter Prendergast. He will be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews who he dearly loved, as well as his many friends, neighbours, and clients. He is predeceased by his brothers Jimmy (Nora) and Anthony (Aine) Prendergast.

John’s service will be live streamed on http://www.mycondolences.ie/ at 11:00 am on Wednesday, the 14th of April, 2021. Funeral cortège will leave his residence at 11:30 am on Wednesday, the 14th of April.

A private family funeral will take place, in accordance with current guidelines.  We thank you for your cooperation and understanding at this difficult time.  Please leave your personal message for John’s family on the condolence section below or through www.jerhoconnorfuneralhomes.ie