Age 18. 265 Mason Terrace, Brookline, MA (note the same Brookline street as a victim in a separate party, Miss Kathleen O'Neil, age 17, 87 Mason Terrace, no other connection). Born on 1/06/1924, in Boston. Died the afternoon of 11/29/1942 (Sunday), carbon monoxide poisoning (death certificate). Sophomore at Brown University (lodging at 23 Charlesfield Street, Providence, RI). Was known as "Rod." Had reportedly accepted a ride earlier in the day on an impulse with an unnamed classmate to visit his parents outside Boston. "Roderick [sic] Prendergast...paid for his holiday with his life in the Cocoanut Grove disaster" (The Boston Herald, 11/30/1942). Was at home with his father as late as 9:30 p.m. "He left his house for a walk to Coolidge Corner, where his parents believe he heard of the Cocoanut Grove catastrophe and decided to join the volunteer rescue parties" (Brookline Citizen, 12/03/1942). Also: "The cap of his cadet uniform...was found in the night club near where rescuers had effected life saving work." Boston Daily Record, 11/30/1942: "His parents...were notified of his death after they had searched for hours to establish his whereabouts." Alternately reported in the 11/30/1942 Boston Daily Record as present at the club for a planned dinner with friend John Billings, age 19, of São Paulo, Brazil (lodging in Brookline), a sophomore at M.I.T. (died on December 26). One of 60 "probable identifications" listed Sunday morning (8:00 a.m.) at Southern Mortuary, Boston (all male). Was a graduate of Brookline High School. Attached to the R.O.T.C. at Brown, was enlisted but was not active in the U.S. Naval Reserve. "While at college, he took part in fencing and figure skating" (Providence Journal, 11/30/1942). Was single. Recalled by a former classmate in a 1997 discussion on wartime memories at Brown: "Rod was...a handsome Joe College type. He had a long raccoon coat, a silver hip flask, and a vintage Ford" (Brown Alumni Monthly, February 1997). Parents Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. and Mildred M. (Bruner) Prendergast, same address. Burial at Holyhood Cemetery, Brookline. Middle name Ivyl.

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