Obituary

August 2, 2006 - February 27, 2022

Loving son of Darryl Settles and Lisa Owens, M.D., and devoted brother and best friend of Taylor Settles went on to his next journey on February 27, 2022.

Preston enjoyed his elementary school years at the Underwood School in Newton, MA, and fully immersed himself in town youth sports. He was known to run from one game to another, sometimes not taking the time to tie his shoes. Preston was an athlete and beloved friend to many during his middle school years at the Fessenden School in Newton, MA. He forged long-lasting friendships playing on the baseball, basketball, football, and lacrosse teams. He was a weekday border during the COVID-19 pandemic and cultivated long-term relationships with friends and faculty. Tim Murphy, Fessenden School administrator, reflected, “With an infectious smile, Preston’s Fessenden years were characterized by joyfulness, hard work, and fiercely loyal friendships. His impact on the Fessenden community was far-reaching. Preston believed firmly in the concept of brotherhood, and he was embraced and loved by fellow students, faculty, and staff.” New to the Brooks School in North Andover, MA as a freshman,

Preston quickly formed tight bonds within his dorm community with classmates, football, and basketball teammates. Preston had shared that going to Brooks had exceeded his expectations. Brooks School Head of School John Packard said, “In his far too short time at Brooks, Preston cast a long shadow. His ebullience, infectious spirit, and numerous talents earned him many friends and connections on our campus during this school year. In and out of the classroom, on football fields, basketball courts, his dormitory, and everywhere in between, he was a wonderful student, teammate, and friend. He made every group and community he was a part of more fun and joyful in his own intangible and inimitable way. The outpouring of support for Preston during these three weeks has underlined the extent to which he reached people in ways that mattered to them; in ways that were important to them; in ways that will hold over time.” Preston had

crafted a vision for his future that included studying business and law at Duke University, where his grandmother, Ida Owens, was the first African-American to receive a Ph.D. at that school.

Preston never had a bad day and embraced all that he did with positivity, perseverance, and upbeat energy. He enjoyed making others laugh.

Fearless and adventuresome, Preston loved challenging himself by trying new sports, including boogie boarding, snowboarding, and paddleboarding. He also enjoyed playing street hockey and fishing. On his 15th birthday, Preston reeled in a 357-pound tuna with his best friend Manny Pereira, with whom he enjoyed countless adventures. Preston was anchored by a loving family that relishes time spent together. Preston enjoyed traveling with his family to places like Spain, Morocco, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. At age 13, he traveled alone to Sweden to visit with a Fessenden friend on summer holiday. One of his most memorable father-son getaways was to the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston.

Born just 16 months apart, one of Preston’s best friends was his sister Taylor. They were inseparable, sharing friends and supporting each other’s pursuits. They had their special orbit, a special bond that fortified them.

Preston lived a short, but FULL LIFE. Preston was “that guy” who people gravitated to, someone whose magnetic personality, kind soul, sincerity, and devotion endeared him to many as their dear friend. He was a life changer—truly one of a kind. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.

In honor of Preston, and in lieu of flowers, the Preston Settles Charitable Foundation has been established to honor PReston’s Hope: Accelerating discOvery and Care for people wiTh hypErtrophic Cardiomyopa-Thy (PROTECT).

Along with his parents and sister, he leaves to cherish: grandfather Herbert Owens, uncles Jeffrey Owens, Alan Settles, and Ervin Settles, Aunt Rose Settles, and a host of extended family and devoted friends. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Ida S. Owens, and grandparents, Rebecca and David Settles.