Louis R. Depretis

Louis R. DePretis, beloved husband of Melody Ann (Gregg) DePretis, father of Meshach Miller, Mellory (David) Birner and Kyle Cameron died Thursday, June 8, 2017. Louis was a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend who loved his family dearly. His grandchildren, Meshach John, Mierra Peyton Miller and Melody Lovas Birner, were an exceptionally important part of his everyday life, bringing pure joy to his heart. Being a father and Pap Pap were the greatest titles he ever chose and achieved. Louis was born on September 4,1956 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Nancy J. (Tenney) DePretis and Andrew J. DePretis, Jr. of Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania. A CPA for nearly 40 years, he maintained his practice in Washington, PA (Louis R. DePretis and Associates, CPA’s) where he worked closely with his friend and assistant, Mary Ellen (MiMi) Gafric. He was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Robert Morris University and a Ringgold High School alumnus. The years spent on the Yough River with his family and dearest friends are the most memorable. Big Daddy Lou’s River House was open to everyone anytime. Rocking on the dock with his best friend and wife were his most cherished moments. He led kayaking and canoe trips for his guests and enjoyed 4-wheeling with his boys, he especially loved inventing fishing lures and fishing lores with son, Meshach. Automobiles were always a true passion. In 1992 the daddy-daughter drag racing team was born and for the next 15+ years they travelled across the US and Puerto Rico competing in National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) racing events, winning countless championships and awards, including 6 Ironman trophies together. Shifting from drag racing to autocross and road racing Louis and his son, Kyle, forged an inseparable bond and loved to wrench together in the garage. Together they were very active in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and enjoyed racing their Corvettes. A member of the Golden Triangle Skeet League and the Washington Sportsmen Association, Louis was an avid and competitive skeet shooter. Additionally, a former member of various car clubs and the Rotary Club, the Washington Jaycees and a former South Strabane Township Supervisor. Louis enjoyed the thrill and excitement of scuba diving for many years with his family and friends. He is also survived by brothers Dennis (Beth), Robert (Bethann) and sister Gina (Anthony Brozovich, Jr.) and grandmother Carla J. DePretis, daughter in law, Heather King and several nieces and nephews. Louis is preceded in death by his precious mother, the late Nancy J. DePretis, his baby grandson, Gabriel John Birner, and his grandfather, the late Andrew J. DePretis, Sr. Friends will be received Tuesday, June 13, 2017 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, June 14, 2017 from noon to 1:30 p.m. the time of service at William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Ave, Washington. Burial will follow at Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the Children’s Department of your local library.