Harold Richard Pratt
May 31, 1947 ~ September 6, 2012
After a courageous three-year battle with brain cancer, Harold "Richard" Pratt, 65, of Weirton, WV, passed away Thursday, September 6, 2012 at his home. Born May 31, 1947 in Steubenville, OH, he was a son of the late William and Elizabeth Wargo Pratt.
After his graduation in 1965 from Weir High School, he went to work at Weirton Steel before being drafted in 1967 into the US Army, where he served as E5 Sergeant. After his discharge in 1969, he returned to Weirton Steel, where he retired from the Central Machine Shop in 2003.
He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Cumberland where he had served as Reader and Eucharist Minister. He was a member of the Parish Council, Men's Club and Adult Fun Club. He was also a member of the Northern Panhandle Trappers Association and FOPA Lodge #1 in Weirton.
His love for the outdoors showed through his hunting, fishing and involvement with local scouting programs. He enjoyed times around the campfire and playing guitar with his son and friends that he met while playing at country music groups and jam sessions.
He was so proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments.
Rich is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jean Mankowski Pratt, of Weirton, whom he married April 4, 1970; sons Richard (Candace) Pratt of Weirton and Adam (Christina) Pratt of North Carolina; daughter Susan (Fred) Fletcher of Weirton; grandchildren Abbey Pratt, James Fletcher, Joseph Fletcher, Helen Pratt, Chelsey DiBacco and Micah DiBacco; brother James W. (Vaneta) Pratt of New Cumberland; uncle Henry Pratt (Betty) of Quincy, IL; father-in-law Joseph T. Mankowski; sisters-in-law Debbie (Vincent) Oswald, Jolene (Tim) Hines and Arlene (Joe) Gala; brother-in-law Joseph A. (Diana) Mankowski and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends will be received Friday 1-3 and 6-8PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV.
Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 10AM Saturday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Cumberland with Reverend Father Eric Antwi officiating.
Interment will follow in New Cumberland Cemetery with military services being conducted by the American Legion Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1016 Ridge Avenue, New Cumberland, WV 26047.
Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com
Mrs. Pratt, Susie, Richie and Adam – We are so sorry to learn of your loss 🙁 Our hearts go out to you and your families during this difficult time. Heaven received a new angel today. May your memories of him help comfort you in the days ahead. Our deepest condolences…. Kim, Tony, Isabella and Ana
Jeannie & family, I’m so very sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. He fought a hard, long battle & is now at peace. Keeping the family in my prayers
Our hearts go out to you in the greaat loss you have incurred. He has been a wonderul Nephew. he has blessd my life in many ways, and has left us with many precious memories. Our family will be praying for you not only now but in the days & weeks to come. Let us thank God for the years we had him and the impact he made on our lives as well as many others.
Rich, I m so sorry for your loss. May god look down upon you and your family and give you strength through this hard time …. He is allready in heaven fishing and hunting and at peace. He will.be your guardian angel Good bless you and your family
Jeanie and Family, As I shared your loss with my family, the first words out of their mouths were, “he was a good guy”. Depend on God each day- He will give you the Peace and Strength as you are “physically” away from Rich. But we know that Rich, your mom, “choch”. Uncle Andy and all of the “faithfully departed” are watching and leading us through our life’s journey until we meet them all in Heaven.
Adam, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your support when I lost my grandfather, and would like to offer you the same. Your kind, caring nature is a testament to your father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Jeanie and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. It saddens me to lose another Woodlawn Estates friend, lots of good childhood memories. I remember seeing you all in the bank shortly after he was diagnosed and the two of you were so optimistic. You both are very inspiring to all. Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers for the days ahead, be comforted in knowing that one day you’ll be reunited without pain and suffering, just happiness. Be well, with love and friendship, Mike and Janice Memory Eternal
Adam, Christina, Helen…I grieve with you in your loss and look forward with you to the day when you are reunited!
Dear Jean and family, My heartfelt condolences on your loss. Diana
Jeannie and Family, A wonderful person in your life a good husband, a good father a good grandfather has gone to the angles, he will be by your side always, He is one that does not forget his family, he is with the angles looking down on all with love. you have our deepest sympathy , with love Arden, Nancy ,,jeffrey
I was sorry to read of your loss. My sympathy to the entire family. Rose Strip Steel Credit Union
Aunt Jeanie,Richie,Susie and Adam Sorry to hear about Uncle Richard,you all are in my familys thoughts and prayers.Wish we could be be there but we are in sprit just as Uncle Richard will always be.Just remember he is not gone cause all we have to do is close our eyes and he will always be there.Uncle Richard was one of the nicest and most respected man I have know. God bless all of you at this time. We love and miss you all. Bobby,Alex and Morgan Mankowski
Jeannie & family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Richard was a great guy, we had fun growing up together between eating my dad’s apples, peaches and strawberries, we enjoyed his parents grapes. I can close my eyes and see his parents right now. Keep alive his memories and he will always be alive in your hearts. Sorry I didn’t make it down but I just lost my hubby 2 months ago. You’ll be in my prayers. love, Judy
Jeannie, Richie, Susie, and Adam, No words can express to all of you on how we are feeling about the loss of Rich. He was such a wonderful husband, father and pap and has touched so many hearts. We want you all to know that the Hines’ family will be there for ALL of you now and ANYTIME in the future!! We all love and care for you so deeply. Stay true to your faith in God and he will bring peace into your hearts. We are all here for you. Our prayers are with you now and always. Love, Tim, Jolene, Makenzie, and Chad