An extraordinary life marked by tremendous business success and deep philanthropic generosity came to an end on July 24, 2016 when our beloved Conrad, developer and philanthropist, passed away surrounded by family following a courageous battle with cancer. He was at Scripps Mercy Hospital.
Conrad was born and raised in a blue-collar neighborhood in South Bend, Ind, to parents Theodore and Marie Prebys. An early turning point came when Conrad met an inspirational high school drama teacher, who exposed him to culture and the arts and encouraged him to further his education. Conrad was the first in his neighborhood to go beyond high school, and was the first of five brothers to attend and graduate from Indiana University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business.
Starting from his first job delivering newspapers at the age of 8, Conrad developed a strong work ethic that deepened throughout his life. He moved to San Diego in 1965 with little more than $500 in his pocket and a burning drive to succeed. He became a successful entrepreneur with Progress Construction Company and various real estate enterprises in San Diego. His intelligence, business acumen and determination helped him become one of the most successful business executives in San Diego and the United States.
Conrad was born with an innate sense of generosity, so it was natural for him to want to share his good fortune with others - something he did with great spirit and joy. Conrad gave hundreds of millions of dollars to enrich and strengthen his community in many ways, including medical research, health care, the arts, education, youth services and wildlife preservation.
His generosity included capital and operating gifts to Scripps Health, the Boys and Girls Clubs, the San Diego Zoo, the Old Globe Theatre, UCSD Music Centre, the La Jolla Music Society, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in San Diego and Orlando Florida, the Salk Institute, Indiana University, San Diego State University, San Diego Museum of Art, KPBS and Masterpiece Theater.
Conrad was an intelligent and thoughtful man, who remained humble and down to earth in the midst of his immense success. He was a man who took great pleasure in helping others and could relate to virtually anyone in life. His legacy of generosity has left an indelible mark that will live on to inspire and benefit the lives of many generations ahead.
Beyond philanthropy and business, Conrad's other interests included classical music, travel and football.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Marie Prebys, and brothers, Paul Prebys, Robert Prebys * and Theodore Prebys Jr.
He is survived by his life partner, Debbie Turner, brother, Ron Prebys, son, Eric Prebys, grandsons, Jake Prebys and Nick Prebys, sisters-in-law, Jan Prebys and Mary Prebys, and numerous nieces and nephews.
To ensure his vision extended beyond his life, Conrad created The Conrad Prebys Foundation (https://www.conradprebysfoundation.org) to perpetuate his commitment to philanthropic endeavors in San Diego.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Conrad's memory are suggested to one of his favorite charities. A private memorial service is planned to celebrate Conrad's remarkable life.
_______________________________
* [Robert E. Prebys, 69, of Las Vegas died Friday in a local hospital. He was born Oct. 13, 1931, in South Bend, Ind. A resident for 11 years, he was an accountant in the aerospace industry for 35 years and a Korean War Marine Corps veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene; three daughters, Lori Rosenbaum and Christine Fortenberry, both of Las Vegas, and Roberta Allen of Texas; one son, Theodore Prebys of California; four brothers, Theodore C. Prebys and Conrad Prebys, both of California, Ronald Prebys of Kentucky and Paul Prebys of Alabama; and four grandchildren.
Nevada Funeral Service-Nevada Cremation or Burial Society, 2983 Fremont St., is handling private arrangements.]
_______________________________
see more at:
http://www.cbs8.com/story/32528428/conrad-prebys-prominent-san-diego-philanthropist-dies
https://www.scripps.org/assets/documents/conrad_prebys_bio.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Prebys
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-the-zoo-gets-15-million-gift-and-a-new-look-2011mar27-htmlstory.html
https://www.scripps.org/about-us/who-we-are/history
Conrad was born and raised in a blue-collar neighborhood in South Bend, Ind, to parents Theodore and Marie Prebys. An early turning point came when Conrad met an inspirational high school drama teacher, who exposed him to culture and the arts and encouraged him to further his education. Conrad was the first in his neighborhood to go beyond high school, and was the first of five brothers to attend and graduate from Indiana University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business.
Starting from his first job delivering newspapers at the age of 8, Conrad developed a strong work ethic that deepened throughout his life. He moved to San Diego in 1965 with little more than $500 in his pocket and a burning drive to succeed. He became a successful entrepreneur with Progress Construction Company and various real estate enterprises in San Diego. His intelligence, business acumen and determination helped him become one of the most successful business executives in San Diego and the United States.
Conrad was born with an innate sense of generosity, so it was natural for him to want to share his good fortune with others - something he did with great spirit and joy. Conrad gave hundreds of millions of dollars to enrich and strengthen his community in many ways, including medical research, health care, the arts, education, youth services and wildlife preservation.
His generosity included capital and operating gifts to Scripps Health, the Boys and Girls Clubs, the San Diego Zoo, the Old Globe Theatre, UCSD Music Centre, the La Jolla Music Society, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in San Diego and Orlando Florida, the Salk Institute, Indiana University, San Diego State University, San Diego Museum of Art, KPBS and Masterpiece Theater.
Conrad was an intelligent and thoughtful man, who remained humble and down to earth in the midst of his immense success. He was a man who took great pleasure in helping others and could relate to virtually anyone in life. His legacy of generosity has left an indelible mark that will live on to inspire and benefit the lives of many generations ahead.
Beyond philanthropy and business, Conrad's other interests included classical music, travel and football.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Marie Prebys, and brothers, Paul Prebys, Robert Prebys * and Theodore Prebys Jr.
He is survived by his life partner, Debbie Turner, brother, Ron Prebys, son, Eric Prebys, grandsons, Jake Prebys and Nick Prebys, sisters-in-law, Jan Prebys and Mary Prebys, and numerous nieces and nephews.
To ensure his vision extended beyond his life, Conrad created The Conrad Prebys Foundation (https://www.conradprebysfoundation.org) to perpetuate his commitment to philanthropic endeavors in San Diego.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Conrad's memory are suggested to one of his favorite charities. A private memorial service is planned to celebrate Conrad's remarkable life.
_______________________________
* [Robert E. Prebys, 69, of Las Vegas died Friday in a local hospital. He was born Oct. 13, 1931, in South Bend, Ind. A resident for 11 years, he was an accountant in the aerospace industry for 35 years and a Korean War Marine Corps veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene; three daughters, Lori Rosenbaum and Christine Fortenberry, both of Las Vegas, and Roberta Allen of Texas; one son, Theodore Prebys of California; four brothers, Theodore C. Prebys and Conrad Prebys, both of California, Ronald Prebys of Kentucky and Paul Prebys of Alabama; and four grandchildren.
Nevada Funeral Service-Nevada Cremation or Burial Society, 2983 Fremont St., is handling private arrangements.]
_______________________________
see more at:
http://www.cbs8.com/story/32528428/conrad-prebys-prominent-san-diego-philanthropist-dies
https://www.scripps.org/assets/documents/conrad_prebys_bio.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Prebys
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-the-zoo-gets-15-million-gift-and-a-new-look-2011mar27-htmlstory.html
https://www.scripps.org/about-us/who-we-are/history
An extraordinary life marked by tremendous business success and deep philanthropic generosity came to an end on July 24, 2016 when our beloved Conrad, developer and philanthropist, passed away surrounded by family following a courageous battle with cancer. He was at Scripps Mercy Hospital.
Conrad was born and raised in a blue-collar neighborhood in South Bend, Ind, to parents Theodore and Marie Prebys. An early turning point came when Conrad met an inspirational high school drama teacher, who exposed him to culture and the arts and encouraged him to further his education. Conrad was the first in his neighborhood to go beyond high school, and was the first of five brothers to attend and graduate from Indiana University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business.
Starting from his first job delivering newspapers at the age of 8, Conrad developed a strong work ethic that deepened throughout his life. He moved to San Diego in 1965 with little more than $500 in his pocket and a burning drive to succeed. He became a successful entrepreneur with Progress Construction Company and various real estate enterprises in San Diego. His intelligence, business acumen and determination helped him become one of the most successful business executives in San Diego and the United States.
Conrad was born with an innate sense of generosity, so it was natural for him to want to share his good fortune with others - something he did with great spirit and joy. Conrad gave hundreds of millions of dollars to enrich and strengthen his community in many ways, including medical research, health care, the arts, education, youth services and wildlife preservation.
His generosity included capital and operating gifts to Scripps Health, the Boys and Girls Clubs, the San Diego Zoo, the Old Globe Theatre, UCSD Music Centre, the La Jolla Music Society, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in San Diego and Orlando Florida, the Salk Institute, Indiana University, San Diego State University, San Diego Museum of Art, KPBS and Masterpiece Theater.
Conrad was an intelligent and thoughtful man, who remained humble and down to earth in the midst of his immense success. He was a man who took great pleasure in helping others and could relate to virtually anyone in life. His legacy of generosity has left an indelible mark that will live on to inspire and benefit the lives of many generations ahead.
Beyond philanthropy and business, Conrad's other interests included classical music, travel and football.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Marie Prebys, and brothers, Paul Prebys, Robert Prebys * and Theodore Prebys Jr.
He is survived by his life partner, Debbie Turner, brother, Ron Prebys, son, Eric Prebys, grandsons, Jake Prebys and Nick Prebys, sisters-in-law, Jan Prebys and Mary Prebys, and numerous nieces and nephews.
To ensure his vision extended beyond his life, Conrad created The Conrad Prebys Foundation (https://www.conradprebysfoundation.org) to perpetuate his commitment to philanthropic endeavors in San Diego.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Conrad's memory are suggested to one of his favorite charities. A private memorial service is planned to celebrate Conrad's remarkable life.
_______________________________
* [Robert E. Prebys, 69, of Las Vegas died Friday in a local hospital. He was born Oct. 13, 1931, in South Bend, Ind. A resident for 11 years, he was an accountant in the aerospace industry for 35 years and a Korean War Marine Corps veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene; three daughters, Lori Rosenbaum and Christine Fortenberry, both of Las Vegas, and Roberta Allen of Texas; one son, Theodore Prebys of California; four brothers, Theodore C. Prebys and Conrad Prebys, both of California, Ronald Prebys of Kentucky and Paul Prebys of Alabama; and four grandchildren.
Nevada Funeral Service-Nevada Cremation or Burial Society, 2983 Fremont St., is handling private arrangements.]
_______________________________
see more at:
http://www.cbs8.com/story/32528428/conrad-prebys-prominent-san-diego-philanthropist-dies
https://www.scripps.org/assets/documents/conrad_prebys_bio.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Prebys
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-the-zoo-gets-15-million-gift-and-a-new-look-2011mar27-htmlstory.html
https://www.scripps.org/about-us/who-we-are/history
Conrad was born and raised in a blue-collar neighborhood in South Bend, Ind, to parents Theodore and Marie Prebys. An early turning point came when Conrad met an inspirational high school drama teacher, who exposed him to culture and the arts and encouraged him to further his education. Conrad was the first in his neighborhood to go beyond high school, and was the first of five brothers to attend and graduate from Indiana University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business.
Starting from his first job delivering newspapers at the age of 8, Conrad developed a strong work ethic that deepened throughout his life. He moved to San Diego in 1965 with little more than $500 in his pocket and a burning drive to succeed. He became a successful entrepreneur with Progress Construction Company and various real estate enterprises in San Diego. His intelligence, business acumen and determination helped him become one of the most successful business executives in San Diego and the United States.
Conrad was born with an innate sense of generosity, so it was natural for him to want to share his good fortune with others - something he did with great spirit and joy. Conrad gave hundreds of millions of dollars to enrich and strengthen his community in many ways, including medical research, health care, the arts, education, youth services and wildlife preservation.
His generosity included capital and operating gifts to Scripps Health, the Boys and Girls Clubs, the San Diego Zoo, the Old Globe Theatre, UCSD Music Centre, the La Jolla Music Society, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in San Diego and Orlando Florida, the Salk Institute, Indiana University, San Diego State University, San Diego Museum of Art, KPBS and Masterpiece Theater.
Conrad was an intelligent and thoughtful man, who remained humble and down to earth in the midst of his immense success. He was a man who took great pleasure in helping others and could relate to virtually anyone in life. His legacy of generosity has left an indelible mark that will live on to inspire and benefit the lives of many generations ahead.
Beyond philanthropy and business, Conrad's other interests included classical music, travel and football.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Marie Prebys, and brothers, Paul Prebys, Robert Prebys * and Theodore Prebys Jr.
He is survived by his life partner, Debbie Turner, brother, Ron Prebys, son, Eric Prebys, grandsons, Jake Prebys and Nick Prebys, sisters-in-law, Jan Prebys and Mary Prebys, and numerous nieces and nephews.
To ensure his vision extended beyond his life, Conrad created The Conrad Prebys Foundation (https://www.conradprebysfoundation.org) to perpetuate his commitment to philanthropic endeavors in San Diego.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Conrad's memory are suggested to one of his favorite charities. A private memorial service is planned to celebrate Conrad's remarkable life.
_______________________________
* [Robert E. Prebys, 69, of Las Vegas died Friday in a local hospital. He was born Oct. 13, 1931, in South Bend, Ind. A resident for 11 years, he was an accountant in the aerospace industry for 35 years and a Korean War Marine Corps veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene; three daughters, Lori Rosenbaum and Christine Fortenberry, both of Las Vegas, and Roberta Allen of Texas; one son, Theodore Prebys of California; four brothers, Theodore C. Prebys and Conrad Prebys, both of California, Ronald Prebys of Kentucky and Paul Prebys of Alabama; and four grandchildren.
Nevada Funeral Service-Nevada Cremation or Burial Society, 2983 Fremont St., is handling private arrangements.]
_______________________________
see more at:
http://www.cbs8.com/story/32528428/conrad-prebys-prominent-san-diego-philanthropist-dies
https://www.scripps.org/assets/documents/conrad_prebys_bio.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Prebys
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-the-zoo-gets-15-million-gift-and-a-new-look-2011mar27-htmlstory.html
https://www.scripps.org/about-us/who-we-are/history
