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Edmund Astley Prentis IV, known as “Teddy,” of Delray Beach, Florida, Westhampton Beach, and Cluj-Napoca, Romania, died in a motorbike accident on May 11, 2017, in Bermuda. He was 68.
A croquet champion, instructor and tournament director, Mr. Prentis was in Bermuda to attend the Bermuda Invitational and was the world’s first full-time croquet professional, winning a record eight United States Croquet Association titles, including four National Doubles Championships (two with his father, Edmund A. Prentis III), three National Club Team Championships and was an eight-time member of the United States National Team, in addition to multiple invitational and regional championships. He and fellow instructor, Bob Kroeger, co-authored a library of instructional video tapes for players, known as the Bob & Ted Series.
In 1989, Mr. Pentis was inducted into the USCA Hall of Fame. He will also be remembered for his efforts sharing croquet with participants of the Special Olympics. His dedication, energy, humor, infectious laugh and irrepressible enthusiasm won the hearts of all who met him, survivors said.
Mr. Prentis graduated from The Harvey School and the Asheville School, where he was the captain of the varsity football teams. He attended Columbia University, his grandfather’s alma mater. Survivors said he had a passion for travel and explored the world.
Recently he had retired to Romania where he had a number of close friends whom he considered family.
Survivors include his two sisters, Patricia Prentis-Erwin of Pennsylvania and Katharine Prentis Knuff and husband James Michael, also of Pennsylvania; a brother, Peter D. Prentis and wife Paula of Bedford Hills and Quogue; and a nephew and four nieces.
A funeral service will take place on Saturday, June 3, at 2:30 p.m. at the Westhampton Presbyterian Church.
Memorial donations may be made to the United States Croquet Association, Instruction Programs, which supports teaching professionals, 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.
on May 19, 2017