Forrest H. Pratt, 96, of Londonderry, NH, died Tuesday February 11, 2025 at his daughter's home in Manchester, NH surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 27, 1929 in Londonderry, a son of the late James and Marion (Mitchell) Pratt, and had been a lifelong resident. He was a US Air Force veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. Forrest was the Boston Post Cane Holder for the Town of Londonderry which he received in 2018.
Forrest spent his early years at school house #7 Grenier Field Road in Londonderry and Central High School. Forrest grew up working in his father’s garage (Pratt’s Garage) in North Londonderry as a mechanic. After high school he enlisted in the Air Force. He served his country proudly as a flight engineer. Forrest was stationed in Iceland and Greenland during the Korean War conflict. He gained the rank of Staff Sargent in charge of Air Force alert ground crew at Keflavik, Iceland. He received a letter of commendation as he aided in the removal of air crew members trapped in the tail section of a crashed and burning C-97 aircraft. When he got out of the service Forrest met the love of his life, Marian J. Hall and got married in 1955.
Forrest was a family man and enjoyed music, playing drums, guitar and singing country songs. He played and sang at family gatherings and also played in public at the fireman’s hall to raise money for equipment for the volunteer fire department. He played his guitar and sang country songs at 4 pm every day for his beloved wife Marian during her battle with cancer.
During his life he worked as a cabinet maker, a volunteer fire fighter for the town of Londonderry, a truck driver for many trucking companies and a member of the Teamsters. After retirement he enjoyed working at the Union Leader and the Auto Auction in Derry. He enjoyed working on his cars and trucks, wood working, making airplanes, carving, traveling with his wife and kids, riding motorcycles and going to the firing range. After he stopped working, he got together for coffee daily at Dunkin’ donuts in Londonderry where he was a regular and every server knew his name. He met and made many friends at Dunkin Donuts including other veterans during those years. Forrest had a sharp mind and wit well up in his 90’s. He had a love for Londonderry, but he was a history book of Londonderry experiencing growth and change. He lived every day with a smile and had a real love for his family and for life.
He is survived by his son, David Pratt and his wife Heidi of Claremont, NH; two daughters, Brenda Cunnien of Manchester, and Belinda Horning and her husband Richard of Laconia, NH; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; his brother, James Pratt and his wife Nancy; his sister, Marion Gibson and her husband Chandis; his sister-in-law Patricia Pratt; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Marian J. (Hall) Pratt in 2012, and his brother, Rensford Pratt in 2021.
Following cremation, calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 1st from 9 – 11am in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. A memorial service will follow at 11:00am in the funeral home. Private burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery in Londonderry in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VNA of Manchester and Southern NH, 1070 Holt Ave, Ste. 1400, Manchester, NH 03109, or to the VA Medical Center, 718 Smyth Rd, Manchester, NH 03104.