Local Entrepreneur Louis Prudente Dies at 65

Stephen Louis Prudente, of Freehold, a true entrepreneur, died January 10 at age 65, at Hearthstone Assisted Living Facility in Lakewood.  He was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, but lived in New Jersey for 44 years, most of them in Freehold.  

He started his first business, The Body Shop, Ocean City, NJ in the summer of 1971.  After graduating from the University of Toledo, and working for Johnson & Johnson – Ethicon, he decided to start his next business, Imprint Ink, in the basement of his home.  In addition to his first two businesses, Steve was most proud of Star Bright Design, a sticker company which helped begin the sticker craze in the 1980’s. His creativeness was highlighted on the Regis PhilbinShow.  

His family and friends continue to benefit from his company, Candy Design.  His businesses are too numerous to mention, but many of them are still in existence.  His creativity encompasses not only his businesses, but his life.  Steve was a photographer, builder, sailor, gardener, writer … Steve embraced life’s canvas.

Steve was the first son of the late Louis and Sylvia Prudente of Ardmore, PA.  

He is survived by his loving wife, Anne, and three daughters and son-in-laws, Cara and Erik Nelius; Laura and Michael Skrief; and Stephanie and Michael D’Agnese.  He was the proud “Earl” of five grandchildren, Jesse, Julianne, Camryn, Jackson, and Louis.  Steve was the brother of Alan (Margaret) Prudente of West Chester, PA and Laura (Joseph) Santoleri of Berwyn, PA.  He is also survived by loving in-laws, Daniel R. (predeceased Joyce) Moynihan, Catherine (Lawrence) Carapellotti, James (Barbara) Moynihan, John (Donna) Moynihan, Patrick (Jill) Moynihan and 14 nieces and nephews and 7 great nieces and nephews.  Family and friends were most important at the end of his life and Steve was blessed with their acts of kindness during his last journey in this life.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, 16 McLean Street, Freehold (http://www.stroseoflima.com/) on Thursday at 10:30 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations to: Frontotemporal Dementia Research @ University of PA, Att. Mary Tong, 3535 Market St., Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104 would be appreciated.  For any further information or to post message of condolence please visit www.higginsmemorialhome.com  The Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold is in charge of arrangements.