Louis D. DePrato, of New Bedford, died Saturday, May 6, 2006 at his daughter's home in Rochester. He was the husband of Marjorie M. (Mutch) DePrato.
Born in Acushnet, the son of the late Leo and Julia (Simi) DePrato, he was a lifelong resident of New Bedford.
Mr. DePrato served with the 150th Combat Engineer Battalion during World War II in England, Normandy, Northern France, Luxembourg, Germany and Czechoslovakia building roads and bridges for the troops. They were instrumental in bridging the Rhine at Oppenheim as well as the Main River at Frankfurt. His battalion received the Presidential Unit Citation for their exemplary service. He was the recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal.
He was employed by Salvati's Delicatessen and Belli's Delicatessen as a salesperson and chef, and was known for his famous "potato salad".
Mr. DePrato enjoyed spending time with his family, reading and playing checkers with his great-grandson, Justin. He participated in the Relay For Life with team "Family Ties".
Survivors include his widow; a daughter, Kathleen Nightlinger, and her husband Larry, of Rochester; two sons, James DePrato of New Bedford and Michael DePrato, and his wife Nancy, of Charlotte, North Carolina; two grandchildren, Tina Beijar, and her husband Christopher, of Fairhaven, and Christy Resendes, and her husband Kenneth, of Rochester; two great-grandchildren, Chrissie and Justin Resendes, both of Rochester; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Robert, Arthur, Raymond, and Joseph DePrato, Evelyn Morin and Irene Richmond.
His graveside service will be held on Friday, May 19th at 2 PM at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, c/o Team Family Ties, Kathleen Nightlinger, 69 Alley Rd., Rochester, MA 02770. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett.