Our family mourns the loss of Victor Joseph DePrater age, 93,  our husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor who passed away on April 7, 2018, at his residence in Manteca surrounded by his family. He was born in Lewis Run, Pennsylvania. He is predeceased by father Henry, mother Edith, and brothers Wesley, Robert, Raymond, Harry, Walter, and Richard.
   Victor is survived by his wife of 68 years, Roberta Apodaca DePrater, his children Robert (Joyce) DePrater, Philip (Sharon) DePrater, Mark (Patricia) DePrater, Carl (Cheryl) DePrater, Christopher (Karen) DePrater, Victoria DePrater, and Marina (Kevin) Crain all of Manteca. He had 20 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren and more on the way.
   Victor retired from the military after serving from 1942 –1963 with the Navy and the majority of the years in the Air Force. He served in the World War II and Korean Wars. During the years in the military, the family lived in California, Japan, Mississippi, and Virginia before returning to California.
   After the military, Victor worked with father-in-law, Robert Apodaca, in his auto shop and at Kirby’s Shoe Store in Hayward. He then went to work for and retired from Caterpillar after 20 years as a machinist and scheduler.
   Victor and his family moved from Pleasanton to Manteca in 1993. Victor was a known face attending sports events at Amador High School in Pleasanton. Victor and Roberta enjoyed golfing and bowling with their family and friends.
   He belonged to several organizations including the Manteca Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
   The family would like to thank the Hospice staff for such a wonderful job taking care of Victor.
   A service will be held on Friday, May 4, 2018, at St. Anthony’s Church in Manteca, CA at 11:00 a.m.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, May 1, 2018