Philip E. Pretti, navy veteran, loving husband, and proud father and grandfather, passed away on Monday, January 18th, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19.

Phil is survived by his wife, Karren, his two sons, Josh and Jeff, and his three grandchildren, Saylor, Elias, and Aster as well as a brother Tom O Pretti. He was proceeded in death by his parents John A Pretti and Frances Osmon Pretti.

Phil was a lifelong Springfield resident, born on April 21st, 1949. After graduating from Parkview High School, Phil joined the navy, serving for his country in the Vietnam War aboard the U.S.S. Rupertus. He continued that service to his country and the military throughout his career, returning to Springfield to serve as a vocational counselor, working with returning veterans to help them transition into the local workforce.

Phil, a.k.a. “Grumpa”, was a devoted father and grandfather. He was an active parent in both his kids’ lives, serving both as a Scoutmaster in Boy Scout Troop 409 and leading the cheering section of youth soccer games and swim meets as his sons were growing up. After his retirement, he enjoyed sunny afternoons playing with his dogs, taking his granddaughter Saylor to the park, traveling to visit his other grandchildren, and perfecting his quilting skills — more often on quilting theory than on practice, with perhaps too many hours spent at his local quilting shop. He most loved spending time with his wife and their friends getting away for long weekends of RVing.

An open, socially-distanced visitation will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home East at 3540 E Seminole Springfield Mo 65809 on Saturday, January 23rd, between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. Phil will be laid to rest at Eastlawn Cemetery in a small, private ceremony on Monday, January 25th. An in-person memorial service will be held after the pandemic. In the meantime, friends are encouraged to share pictures and their favorite stories of Phil on the Facebook group, “In Memory of Phil Pretti,” where notifications about a future memorial service will also be posted. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Springfield Humane Society or the American Diabetes Association.