Eileen Prevatel December 15, 1934 - June 16, 2022
Miami, Florida - Eileen “Lee” Prevatel passed away on June 16, 2022 at Kindred Hospital in Hollywood, FL after suffering a broken lower leg, which resulted in the onset of pneumonia in rehab, leading to eventual heart failure, following nearly a month in medical facilities. All along her time admitted, she maintained her great warm character and life-loving physical strength over adversity to endure hardship. In keeping with her great compassion for the lives of others, Eileen’s body of exactly 87.5 years was accepted to the Univ of Miami Medical School for anatomical studies - where she hoped medical students would be better equipped to help many lives.
Eileen was the loving and devoted wife of William E. Prevatel (IBM retiree) of North Miami, FL and mother of William R. Prevatel (Registered Architect) of North Miami, FL and Manhattan, NY. She is additionally survived by daughterin-law Patricia S. Wood and step-granddaughter, Alicia V. Santucci of Ft. Lauderdale,
FL, as well as, daughter-in-law Gayathri Menikdiwela and step-granddaughter Talia Burton of New York City, in addition to nephew, Robert E. D’Amico (renowned photographer), of Burbank, CA.
Eileen was born in Brooklyn, NY on December 15, 1934 to Margaret Flanagan D’Amico and Paul D’Amico. She grew-up in Queens, NY, and started working in Manhattan at the age of 13. At the Wappinger Central School District, Eileen had more than 23 years of experience managing the inventory and staff of the RCK public high school library.
Earlier experience includes insurance administration, real estate sales, and various small entrepreneurial endeavors. Eileen attended specialty coursework, and her community involvement included the PTA, multiple youth activities, active participation with condo associations, and base-support of the Achilles Track Club for disabled marathon entrants.
Eileen loved travel (see passport photo), backpacked
Europe in her 50’s, visited as many as 50 countries on 5 continents, and nearly all of the United States. Her rugged spirit shined when sleeping in a van during her 4-day attendance at the 25th anniversary Woodstock (“Mudstock”) concerts during the summer of 1994.
Without any prior running experience, Eileen and husband William expeditiously completed the New York City Marathon three years in a row when she was aged 57, 58, 59. These endeavors ended late 1994 when a contaminated flu-shot resulted in GBS onset, permanent nerve damage, and perpetual pain.
Splitting her time in later years living between the waterfronts of Norwalk, CT and Miami, FL, Eileen was a Founding Partner of family-owned Mid Bay Properties, LLC and Mid Bay Miami, LLC. Starting with a very modest investment, physically hard work and creative management saw the Mid Bay companies grow 1000-fold to a solid eight-digit enterprise. Philanthropic at heart, substantial contributions will be made broadly per her wishes.
Lee’s kindness affected the lives of so many, welcomed diversity, supported equality, and never uttered any type of prejudicial remark. A better wife, mother, mother-inlaw, grandmother, and friend could not be asked of her. She will be deeply missed, as warm memories of her generous spirit and a life welllived continue in our hearts.