Phillip B. Prathaftakis, 63, of Rochester was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on Thursday, December 29 , 2022 at his home.

On November 11 , 1959, Phillip Benjamin was born in South Bend to George Nicholas and Barbara Tackett Prathaftakis. Proudly he graduated from Rochester High School with the class of 1978.

For 25 years, Phil worked at Dean's Foods of Rochester. While working at Dean's, he started a collection of cows and over the years, had a fine herd. Later he worked at the Riddle Elementary School as the Building Tech for 3 years until October of 2022, when he went on sick leave.

Phil and Natalie Mitchell were married on May 5 , 2005 in the Jordon Baptist Church of Argos.  The couple met on line and have shared 20 years of life's adventures.  Phil loved the Beatles while Natalie loved Elvis.  They combined their love of traveling with their love of those music icons.  Natalie showed Phil around England, including the Beatles Museum in Liverpool.  Phil took Natalie to Graceland to introduce her to the history of Elvis.  They also loved the beautiful sights and memories made in Portugal and Greece. Closer to home, Hilton Head, South Carolina was a favorite location to visit. While traveling the world, Phil collected many sharks teeth from the beaches they visit.

Listening to music on vinyl and 8-tracks was a great way to relax, but going to see Neil Diamond, Pink and Maroon 5 in concert could not be beat. Phil also loved the movies, especially comedy and action.  Playing the scratch-offs was always a great way to stay entertained.  While listening to music, Phil loved to express himself by drawing a variety of subjects.

Left to cherish  Phil's memory are his wife, Natalie; son Nikolas Alexander Prathaftakis; two daughters: Courtney Marie Williams and husband Adam of Jonesboro, Nicole Leigh Prathaftakis and companion William Wieringa of Rochester; three grandchildren: Ethan, Amara and Aria Wieringa; siblings: Mary Catherine Ulrich and husband John of Michigan, Mike Prathaftakis of South Carolina, John Prathaftakis and wife Janet of Arkansas, Tina Turnipseed and husband Donny of Georgia; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Phil in death are his parents and grandparents.

A celebration of the life of Phillip Prathaftakis will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 19 , 2023. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.