Lawrence Peter Prato

Lawrence Peter Prato July 13, 1912 ~ Mar. 7, 2011 Longtime Martinez Resident Loving husband of Anna Prato (deceased); loving father of David (Kathy) Prato, Kathy (Jim) Devincenzi, Larry (Linda) Prato II, and John (Sunnie) Prato; blessed with 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A California native, Larry graduated from Christian Brothers in Sacramento in 1930. He then studied at Cal and UCSF Pharmacy School, graduating in 1933. He also studied medicine at Stanford. He worked as a pharmacist until he was 83 years old. He was also a savvy businessman. His appliance store sold the first TVs in Martinez, and he also built a small chain of drug stores. Larry's dream was to become a professional baseball player. He played ball with some of the greats including Joe DiMaggio. He was one of the top hitters at Stanford and was recruited by the San Francisco Seals, but his parents encouraged him to pursue a more secure career. As a pharmacist, he satisfied his love of the game by coaching a women's softball team (driving them from game to game in his own car), and encouraged his sons to love the game by building them a baseball diamond. Horse racing was Larry's other passion. He owned a thoroughbred farm and many racehorses over the years. He loved the ponies! If Larry wasn't at the pharmacy, you could find him at the track. He drove to Pleasanton every weekend well into his nineties! He was a very kind and gentle soul with a compassionate heart. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation from 4-7pm on Monday, March 14th at Connolly and Taylor, 4000 Alhambra Ave, Martinez. Funeral Service Tues. March 15th at 11am at Connolly and Taylor. Burial following at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1965 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to: Bruns House, Hospice of The East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Ave, Pleasant Hill, CA, 94523 or The Boys and Girls Club of Martinez, 1301 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553 in memory of Larry Prato

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