J. Walter Pratt

James Walter Pratt, 92, of Nutting Road in Jaffrey, died peacefully on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on April 8, 1920 in Brockton, MA son of the late Leslie W. and Delbert (Robar) Pratt. Walter was a 1938 graduate of Brockton (MA) High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in December 1941 and served as a Naval Aviator during World War II. Following graduation he entered the sheet metal trade as an apprentice and later was employed as an owner of Morgan Sheet Metal Inc. Walter retired in 1968 and moved with his family to Jaffrey, NH in 1969. During his retirement he completed and flew his own Aerobatic Bi-Plane, a project that he had started in Brockton. Walter also enjoyed restoring Vintage Automobiles. He also helped others to do the same by offering advice and assistance. His friends will remember that he was responsible for Saturday morning coffee social in his shop following a trip to the Kernel Bakery in Peterborough. His wife of sixty years June E. Pratt, whom he married in Brockton on December 31, 1944, predeceased him on November 16, 2004. Survivors include his two daughters, Judith Ellen Sawyer of Jaffrey, Mary Pratt Niemela of Rohrersville,MD; his two sons Clyde E. Pratt of Kirkwood, NY and Wesley W. Pratt of Newmarket, NH; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews as well as many close friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his sister Barbara Vesta Towne of Gulfport, FL.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center Inc., 1 Verney Drive, Greenfield NH 03047.

Funeral Services with burial in Melrose Cemetery, Brockton, MA will be private and at the convenience of his family.

A Memorial Reception will be held on Saturday November 17, 2012 at his home at 385 Nutting Road in Jaffrey from 9:30AM until 2:00PM