John Donald Prete

John (Jack) D Prete of Naples, Florida passed away on Thursday 10/22/2026 at the age of 92. Born in New Haven, Connecticut he lived his last 30 years in Naples, Florida. John enjoyed a moral and productive life into his 90’s. The last near 20 years of it with his beloved wife and cherished companion, Elaine Ritchie (Queenie) Prete.

John was a Korean war veteran and a graduate of the University of Connecticut. A very productive man he was CEO of several successful businesses including Aviation Services, Northeast Properties, Westcor Lumber Company, and several Real Estate Development and Construction Companies with operations in Southern Connecticut.

He was elected to three terms in the Connecticut House of Representatives, as well as the Connecticut State Senate but decided to end that political career in pursuit of his businesses.

John retired to Florida at the age of 58, but soon tired of retirement, and simultaneously initiated two businesses. One was a construction consultant and the other a thoroughbred horse racing business.

John is survived by his wife Elaine Ritchie Prete (Queenie), by his daughter Leslie Amatrudo (Bernie) of Northford, Connecticut and their 2 sons Brandon Amatrudo and John Amatrudo, as well as a son, John M Prete of Naples, Florida. He is also survived by his wife’s two children Jacqueline (Dave) Beavers and James (Joanna) Ritchie and two cherished grandchildren, James and Jenna. He is younger brother to Ralph Prete and preceded in death by his sister Teresa Dillion.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church (5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road Naples, FL) on November 18th, 2026, at 10am followed by a Celebration of Life at Royal Wood Golf and Country Club (4300 Royal Wood Blvd Naples, FL) at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to Avow Hospice Naples or DAS (Collier County Domestic Animal Services), EMS of Greater Naples Florida