Alexander N. Prathaftakis

Feb. 25, 1934 - March 26, 2005

Alexander Nicholas Prathaftakis, 71 , of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away in his home in the company of his devoted wife and loving family following complications from pancreatic cancer. Alex fought a courageous battle and even when he knew he was losing, remained brave and selfless, thinking only of his family, until his last day. In 1934, Alex was born in South Bend, Ind., one of eight brothers and sisters to Nicholas and Mary Prathaftakis.

In 1938, when Alex was four, due to the death of his mother, Mary, the children were zealously taken from Nicholas by a social reform organization. As a result, Alex grew up in the Children's Aid Society home in Mishawaka. Despite losing his mother, being separated from his father and forced to grow up in an institution, Alex always achieved personal success. He graduated from Riley High School in South Bend as a noted athlete. Holding longstanding records in track and field and football.

Alex joined the United States Army upon completion of high school and was stationed in London. Honorably discharged, he returned to South Bend, where he met his wife of 45 years, the former Betty Ruth Stacy. In California in 1960, they married and lived in San Francisco before coming to Mishawaka. Alex was employed at Studebaker and at Torrington Bearing Company, both in South Bend. After Torrington closed, Alex used his many talents to open his own business; named the company after his wife, Betty's Van Seats.

With only himself and Betty behind every aspect of the operation, they operated successfully for 14 years until they closed to retire. Alex was of an ever inquisitive mind and actively sought out new places, people and ways of being. He and Betty frequently traveled, exploring the United States from coast to coast and most recently Europe together. Alex loved talking and sharing experiences with everyone and no one was a stranger to him. Alex was a lifelong learner and he loved to read and to experience new things.

He was deeply interested in religion, science, politics and history, and appreciated a good discussion. Alex was an accomplished artist, singer and writer, and over the years has shared his gifts with the community in many ways. Alex was an active member of Deer Run Church of Christ in Mishawaka, serving previously as a deacon and as a member of the choir.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Betty, and by his son, Nick, both of Mishawaka, daughter, son-in-law and loving grandchildren, Angela, Jason, Trevor, Lauren and Jadon Jain, all of Mishawaka, brother, Gus and wife Carol Prathaftakis of Osceola, Ind., brother Tony and wife Joan Prathaftakis of Elkhart, Ind., sister Katie and sister Helen and husband John of California, and brother Manuel of Greece.

Visitation for Alex will be Tuesday, March 29, from 4 until 8 p.m. and services will be Wednesday, March 30, at 11 a.m. Procession will follow to South Lawn Cemetery in South Bend. All arrangements are being held at Bubb Funeral Chapel in Mishawaka. Memorial contributions for Alex may be made to Deer Run Church of Christ; or to the St. Joseph County Hospice

Source: Newspapers.com

11/03/2024 EJS