Edward L. Pratt – Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony

Honoring Edward L. Pratt, held in the Legislative Chambers

EDWARD LEONARD PRATT, 1923-2004

FAMILY HISTORY:
Edward Leonard Pratt was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 18, 1923 to the late Edward L. Pratt and Mary Catherine Gallagher.  Edward was the brother of William Pratt and he was predeceased by his sister, Catherine Donnelly.

EDUCATION:
Edward was a graduate of St. John’s Academy, class of 1941.  After the service, Edward attended Siena College where he was a graduate, class of 1956.

HISTORY:
Edward enlisted in the United States Army on August 26, 1943 in Albany, New York.  While serving as a Technician Fifth Grade, Medical Department, Medical Detachment in the 254^th Infantry Regiment, Edward received the Silver Star and Bronze Star for such “magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire”, during the attack on the Siegfried Line.  Edward was also the proud recipient of the American Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and the World War II Victory Medal.  Edward was honorably discharged from the 142^nd Infantry Regiment, 36^th Infantry Division as Sergeant on December 22, 1945.

PERSONAL:
Edward married Lillian Elizabeth Spath on March 6, 1943 at St. John’s Church in Rensselaer, New York.  Edward is survived by two children, Edward Pratt and Rosemary Crawford, and four grandchildren, Frank Costa, Nick Costa, Doreen Stewart and E6 Edward Costa, United States Coast Guard.  He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Mary Spath.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Edward began his career in chemistry with Sterling Drug, where he worked as a lab boy at Sterling Winthrop in the early 1940s.  After the war, Edward returned to Sterling Drug and moved to the Analytical Chemistry Department at the Sterling Winthrop Research Institute in 1965.  In 1986, Ed retired as the Director of Analytical Chemistry.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS:
Edward was a lifelong active parishioner in his church, where he was a Eucharistic Minister, lector and trustee.  He was on the board of the US Pharmacopeia for 12 years and an emeritus member of Sigma XI.  Edward was also active with the Knights of Columbus, Council 267.

Edward enjoyed golfing, reading and research.  He was also very active in his children’s activities.