Captain Paul F. Prestera

Captain Paul F. Prestera, 61, left the bounds of Earth to fly amongst the Heavens on Wednesday, September 21st, 2022, at his home in St Augustine, Florida while surrounded by his family. He courageously battled pancreatic cancer for 10 months,
inspiring staff at the top medical facilities in the United States.
Paul was born in Summit, New Jersey to the late Anthony R. Prestera and Lillian (Tremko) Prestera.

With a lifelong passion for aviation, Paul graduated from The Florida Institute of Technology, where he learned to fly. His career spanned over 36-years, as he rose to the ranks of Captain at Continental/United Airlines, logging over 25,000 flight hours in many aircraft types. He was a favorite Captain to many that were under his command, including his wife. Together for ten years, Paul and Kim flew thousands of people, thousands of miles around the world, making wonderful friends along the way.

Paul was an amazing cook and some of his favorite times were spent with family and friends gathered together around the table enjoying the delicious meals he prepared while sharing memories. Paul could repair and build anything, and it was a regular occurrence for a friend or family member to call him for help. His favorite childhood memories included times the family traveled by station wagon from New Jersey to spend Easter break at their vacation home in Hollywood, FL. Over the past ten months, as Paul’s health declined, his faith in God remained unwavering. The grace that Paul showed during this hard time was an example to all.
Above all this, Paul treasured being a Father to his pride and joy, Maddie and a loving, dedicated husband to wife, Kimberly.

Paul is survived by his wife, Kimberly Farnor Prestera; his daughter, Madison “Maddie;” Prestera and Shaina Mason, who Paul called his special “daughter”. Also surviving are siblings Peter Prestera (Caroline), Barnegat, NJ; Christopher Prestera, Pompano Beach, FL; Anthony “Chip” Prestera (Kathleen), St. Augustine, FL, and Pamela Prestera (Eileen), Colonia, NJ, father-in-law, Paul Farnor (Missy) of Erwin, Tennessee; mother-in-law, Anna Farnor, of St. Augustine, FL; sisters-in-law Sue Coffman (Lin) of St. Augustine, FL; Katie Schmieden (Rob) of Denver, Colorado; Maddy Farnor of Johnson City, Tennessee; brother-in-law, Tyler Engle (Logan) of Erwin, Tennessee; his childhood nanny/second Mom, Olive Clarke, Pompano Beach, FL; best friend (who was like a brother), Wayne Moschella (Noreene), and also several nieces and nephews. Paul had a deep love for the family pets Bear Dog, Snickers, Sunny, Mo, and Wavy the Turtle. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Gail Neumayer Prestera.

Paul attended Biltmore Church of Asheville, North Carolina and The Church of Eleven 22 in Jacksonville, Florida. The family hopes you will share in Paul’s passion for helping others. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Paul’s memory to:

Main Street Market Food Pantry
First Baptist Church of Erwin
P.O. Box 526
Erwin, Tennessee 37650

The Prestera family appreciates the thousands of worldwide prayers and the many cards, letters and messages of love and well wishes. They also wish to thank
the staff and management at United Airlines for their love and care for Paul and his family during the challenging season of his illness.

The family will have visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m., Monday, September 26th, at Craig Funeral Home, 1475 Old Dixie Highway, St. Augustine, Florida with a Celebration of Life service following at 1:00 p.m. At his request, Paul will be buried in Tennessee. Graveside services will be held at the Clear Branch Cemetery, 595 Clear Branch Road, Erwin, Tennessee at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 29th, 2022. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery by 1:50 p.m. on Thursday. The family requests for those attending Paul’s graveside service to bring a flower from their yard.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Prestera family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com and www.craigfuneralhome.com

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Prestera family. (423) 743-1380.

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