Patrick James Bratt, age 52, a longtime resident of Norton, MA, passed away Saturday, August 21, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.
His death will leave a hole in the hearts of his loved ones, friends and co-workers who were always warmly greeted by his ever-present smile and entertained by his many stories and wonderful sense of humor.
Pat was born in South Boston, raised and educated in North Easton, and was a graduate of Oliver Ames High School, Class of 1987. He joined the U.S. Navy shortly after graduation and attended boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Station where he was a proud member of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard Drill Team/Armed Exhibition. Pat served 8 years with distinction as a radar & weapons system technician for P-3 Orion anti-submarine & maritime surveillance aircraft. His deployments took him around the world including NATO led peace keeping operations in the Balkans, Operation Desert Storm and extended postings in Japan, Diego Garcia and Naval Air Station Barbers Point on O’ahu. During his service, Pat received numerous commendations for his dedication and service including the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditions Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (twice), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (twice), and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1995 and the discipline and patriotism he learned in the U.S Navy never left him.
After his service, Pat returned home to Massachusetts where he truly embraced his role as a family man. He was happiest being an uncle to his nephews and niece and was often seen roaming the sidelines of their games, cozying up to read bedtime stories and spoiling them with eclectic homemade gifts. He had a particular fondness for Christmas and was a graduate of the CWH Santa Claus School in Michigan. He truly embodied the spirit of Jolly Old St. Nicholas during the annual Bratt/Sebastiao/O’Keefe family Christmas parties, regularly sporting a great white beard while carrying an overstuffed sack of presents slung over his shoulder.
Pat was a hardworking man who never lost his love for the sea. He worked nearly two decades on the Boston waterfront as a trolley driver, crew for Boston Harbor Cruises and he even captained his own Duck Boat. In his free time, Pat could be found at the helm of the S.V. Beep-Pa, happily touring around the Boston Harbor Islands or cruising along the shores of Buzzards Bay. Pat’s tireless work ethic also included a passion for his continuing education, most recently earning him an Associate Degree in Electronics from the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology.
Patrick is survived by his parents Robert and Adele; his brothers Phillip, Erek and his wife Carol, Bryon and his wife Karen; his sister Sarah Sheehan and her husband Tim; his nephews Cameron, Jake, Ryon and Brayden; his niece Addison, as well as many extended family members who will all miss him more than words can express.
A memorial Mass and Celebration of Pat’s life will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Saint Mary’s Church in Mansfield, MA 02048. Service will begin 10 A.M. (live stream can be viewed at https://stmarymans.org).
An open reception and celebration will follow the service at Harry’s La Casa Mia Restaurant, 840 Broadway, Raynham, MA 02767.