Obituary of Ann Prati

Ann Prati, 86, passed away on August 12, 2023, surrounded by her family. Ann was born in Brooklyn, NY to Mary and Vincent Laspada. She lived in Staten Island, where she raised her family, before moving to Denville, NJ, to be closer to her grandchildren.                                           

Ann graduated from Lafayette High School. It was here, during her teenage years that she met the love of her life. She and her adoring husband, Ray, were married 60 years before his passing in 2017. As teenagers, to young newlyweds, and throughout their marriage, it was obvious how strong their love was. As the years went on, Ray sent weekly fresh flowers to his bride, always with a unique, funny and romantic note. Ann and Ray enjoyed the theatre, dining out, and traveling. They had a beautiful life together with their 4 children. Her greatest joy was spending time as a family.

An amazing cook and baker, she loved sharing her recipes and spending time with her grandchildren making special holiday treats. In addition to her talents in the kitchen, where she could whip up anything from pasta fagioli to beef wellington, Ann was a gifted gardener. She also was a fan of egg creams, which she perfected and would happily make for you upon request. And who could resist the aroma of her sauce on a Sunday and her delicious chicken soup.

Ann spent wonderful days and nights attending her grandchildren’s many school activities and sporting events, cheering them on from the sidelines. Always the proud grandmother. Ann was a loving, caring, devoted wife, mother, “Grammy” and “Auntie Annie”. Her life revolved around her family. We will miss her with all our hearts. When we remember her infectious laugh and hugs, it will continue to bring us joy. And as she would always remind us, we will be sure to check the weather before we walk out the door. 

Ann is survived by her children, Lisa and her spouse Janine, Lori Racanelli and her husband Vincent, Michael Prati and his wife Catherine, and John Prati.  She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Joseph, Jennifer, Jessica, Juliana, Jonathan, Emma and Gabriella, as well as her nephew Thomas, and nieces Lynn, Alyse, Barbi and sisters- in- law Esther Laspada and Theresa Landano and husband Robert.

Friends and family are welcome to gather at Dangler Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 22 from 2 to 4 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m.  Located at 600 Speedwell Ave. Morris Plains, NJ 07950. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10:30am at The Church of Christ the King, 16 Blue Mill Road, New Vernon, 07976. Interment will follow at Gates of Heaven Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in memory of Ann may be made to: MSK Cancer Center (www.mskcc.org), or the Charity of Your Choice.