Paul Pratt

Paul Henry Pratt Jr., 57

WORCESTER - Paul Henry Pratt Jr., age 57, a life-long resident of Worcester died February 26, 2018 after a long and valiant battle with cancer.

He leaves his mother and father, Maureen and Paul Pratt of Worcester; his children, Paul Pratt, Melinda Pratt, and Nina Pratt, all of Worcester, and Brandon Pratt of Golden, Colorado; five grandchildren, Athena, Sophia, Zoey, Madden and Lucas; his long time partner, Basia Kurkiewicz, two sisters, Maureen Devlin of Framingham and Christine Pratt-Gorrill of Centerville: three brothers Peter Pratt of Boston, David Pratt of Hampton, New Hampshire, Michael Pratt of Quincy, and his former wife Susan Pratt.

Paul attended Indian Hill School in Worcester where he established life-long and loyal friendships with his neighbors and classmates. He also attended and graduated from Forest Grove Junior High, St John's High School, and the University of Massachusetts Boston where he earned a degree in labor studies. He began his professional career at age 19 working for Bob Morse at Morse Electric. Later he was trained as an apprentice by Electrician Herbert Fairbanks, joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), advanced from journeyman to master electrician, and eventually became a union organizer. He also taught at the Worcester Vocational High School.

Paul "Papa" will be remembered by his children, grandchildren, and Basia for his love of life's adventures, his strength, and generosity. Paul led his family on many vacations to Cape Cod, the White Mountains and throughout the United States. He will be deeply and always missed.

Diagnosed with abdominal-mesothelioma about six years ago, Paul was treated by Dr. James Cusack at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and at the University of Chicago Hospital's experimental immunotherapy treatment program. He was recognized by the MGH's cancer center as a benefactor supporting Dr. Cusack's research, and was committed to encouraging fellow tradesmen, who had the misfortune to contract mesothelioma, to hire an experienced attorney. Over time, many products used by electricians have been made with asbestos, a fact many manufacturers conceal.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Sunday March 4, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street, Worcester, and a funeral Mass on Monday March 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. George's Catholic Church, 40 Brattle Street, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, Paul's family requests that those who knew and loved Paul bring forth his great zest for life and love of family or contribution to the MGH Cancer Center.