Longtime Parks and Recreation Director Sharon Prete passed away Sept. 11, 2013, at her home surrounded by family and friends. She was born July 19, 1943, in Indianapolis and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Recreation. Prete was the Parks and Recreation Director from from 1980 to her retirement in 2005.
Sharon was a true public servant. She always had the citizens and well-being of Round Rock at heart. She loved to help develop activities and parks that would bring happiness and joy to all, both young and old, big and small. Today, we all are able to enjoy fruits of her labor. In 2012, the Round Rock City Council named the park plaza on Main Street after her, and the Sharon Hart Prete Main Street Plaza draws thousands to a wide range of activities throughout the year.
Sharon was a leader in parks and recreation in Texas and the country, serving in leadership positions with organizations such as the Texas Municipal League, Texas Amateur Athletic Foundation and Texas Recreation and Parks Association. She was also an active member of the National Recreation and Parks Association. Sharon led the effort that brought the Games of Texas to Round Rock and Williamson County in 2005-2006.
Sharon founded the People and Parks Foundation upon her retirement, as a way to continue giving to her beloved profession. Her civic engagement extended well beyond parks and recreation, as Sharon served on the board of directors of the Round Rock United Way, Habitat for Humanity and the Round Rock Woman’s Club, among others.
She is survived by her husband, Richard M. Prete; daughter, Heather Prete Girvan, husband Eddie and grandson Joey of Florence, Texas; son, Antonio A. Prete, wife Mary Beth and grandchildren Addison and Mason of Elgin, Texas; sister, Kathy Lee Hart of New York City; sister-in-law Donna M. Hart of Florence, Ariz.; sister-in-law Martha Prete Lindenberg and husband Jon of Glenwood Springs, Colo.; and a score of loving nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to People and Parks, c/o Greater Round Rock Community Foundation, 206 E. Main St., Round Rock, Texas, 78664. The family asks for privacy during this time of mourning, and looks forward to seeing everyone at the memorial service.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Sept. 14, at First United Methodist Church of Round Rock, 1004 N. Mays St. Honorary pallbearers will be Antonio A. Prete, Rick Atkins, Randy Gordon, Jim Rogers, Emsud Horozovic, James Hemenes, David Buzzell and Mike Hemker.
Funeral arrangements by Beck Funeral Home.
