Donald Bernard Pratt was born October 4, 1946 in Bath, Maine to the late Bernard Pratt Jr. and Hilda I. Pratt. He leaves behind his wife of 53 years Carol Whittle Pratt; daughters Kathryn Pratt Civardi and fiancé Ben Bargnesi, Teresa Pratt Russell and husband James Russell, Debra Pratt Mattson, and son Donald Pratt Jr. and Janine Pratt, as well as 10 grandchildren: Ray and wife Ashley, Jake, Conor, Lily, Jeremiah, Isaac, Hannah, Jeanie, Julia, and Kayleen and one great grandson: Raymond.
“Pa”, as he was called, was always there for anyone who needed advice or just a hug. Growing up as an only child, he was extremely proud of his large, extended family.
Don was a past board member of the United Way, and a former moderator and long time member of the Groton RTM. Don coached girls softball when his daughters were young. Active in community theater as a set designer for many years, Don won several Eugene O’Neil awards for his outstanding designs.
Don’s working career began at the former Soneco plant in Groton. Next he worked at Electric Boat in the Budget Department and then at the RADCON division, which was eventually taken over by Pajarito Scientific Corporation, Radiation Protection Systems, where he rose to become Manager of Production and Procurement. Don was not the least bit interested in retiring even at the age of 74. He loved his work and his fellow employees and said that when young blood was hired, they inspired him to learn new things, and renewed his energy.
But he and Carol also enjoyed many vacations to the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, and even Iceland. Don loved going to Iceland because he was convinced he was descended from Vikings! Don was very patriotic, and always regretted not being able to finish his time in the Air Force, from which he was medically discharged. Two of his doctors called him “one of the good guys”. He was kind, patient and generous with his love and friendship. He will be greatly missed.
His family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, April 8 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 1:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be private for the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, at 11 Governor Winthrop Boulevard, New London, CT, 06320, or to the Sisters of Charity at 54 West Main Street, Baltic, CT 06330.
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