Peter Sokhom Prak, 66, of Dracut, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Lowell General Hospital in Lowell, with his family by his side. Although the doctors told him he had six months, he fought bravely for well over a year, meeting his illness with the same steady courage and good humor that marked every other chapter of his life.
Peter was born on March 5, 1960, in Battambang, Cambodia, a son of An Prak and Theun Yorth. He came of age during years of war and upheaval in his homeland, and in 1982, at the age of twenty-two, he left Cambodia behind and came to the United States in search of a safer and better life. Like so many of his countrymen who found their way to Massachusetts in those years, he arrived with little more than determination. He made his first homes in Malden, Chelsea, Everett, and Lynn, MA, working and building a life from the ground up, before meeting the love of his life, Hillary. Together, they settled in the Lowell area, making their home there in 1990 and then in Dracut in 1996.
A self-made man in every sense, Peter earned his GED at Bunker Hill Community College and went on to a career in government service as a Social Worker, spending his working life helping others find their footing much as he once had. He was hardworking, loyal, unfailingly selfless, and took quiet pride in his work.
Above all else, Peter was a family man. He was happiest with his family around him, whether at a cookout in his yard or on a long day at the beach, especially at Hampton or in the White Mountains, which he loved to visit. He was an avid fisherman and a devoted gardener, an enthusiastic cyclist, and a fan of a good action movie. He loved to sing and he delighted in performing magic tricks, particularly for the children in his life. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a nearly permanent smile, and a gift for rolling with whatever came his way. He also had a soft spot for the family cats, Leon and Luna, his "grandcats".
Peter is survived by his beloved wife of nearly forty years, Hillary S. San of Dracut, his five children, Henry Prak and his girlfriend, Peggy, of Boston, Harold Prak and his wife, Julia, of Concord, New Hampshire, Derek Prak, Darien Prak, and Amanda Prak of Dracut, and his five siblings. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss his warmth and laughter.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852.
Additionally, on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM at Glory Buddhist Temple, 24 Cambridge St., Lowell, MA all are welcome to participate in Paying homage to the Triple Gems, Taking the Five Precepts, and a Lecture on Dharma.
In conclusion, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, the schedule is as follows:
7:00 AM
Breakfast for the monks
7:30 AM
Families and guests gathering
(If you would like to join us in driving in the procession please arrive at the temple between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and please turn on your night time headlight and emergency flashers once in procession)
8:30 AM
Procession to Lowell Westlawn II Cemetery, 305 Boston Road, Lowell, MA 01852
10:00 AM
Food offering to the Sangha (monks)
12:00 PM
Lunch for families and friends
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852. For additional information or to offer an online condolence, please use this website or find us on Facebook.