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Richard Pratte Obituary
Dr. Richard Norman Pratte ("Dick"), age 91, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2021, at his home in Flagstaff, Arizona. He was born in Norwich, CT, on September 8, 1929. He graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1947 and joined the U.S. Army, serving in Japan until 1949. He received bachelor's and master's degrees from American International College in Springfield, MA, and was awarded a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Education from the University of Connecticut. He was an outstanding football player in high school and college and played in a competitive basketball league for the U.S. Army while stationed in Japan. Dick also served as a U.S. Air Force reservist in Iceland from 1952-53.
Dick's passion for teaching and coaching lasted a lifetime. He began his career teaching at Agawam (MA) High School and coaching the football team. He then taught at the University of Bridgeport, the University of Akron, and was for 22 years a Professor of Education at The Ohio State University, where he became (and remained for the rest of his life) a devoted Buckeye fan.
Dick was a distinguished academic and talented administrator who published seven books and over 55 articles. He served as President of the Philosophy of Education Society of North America and President of the American Council of Learned Societies in Education. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from AIC and the Excellence in Research Award from OSU's College of Education.
Dick and his wife Janet built their retirement home close by the Atlantic Ocean in Carolina Beach, near Wilmington, NC. He continued adjunct teaching at UNC Wilmington and put education theory into practice by supervising high school student teachers in southeastern North Carolina and chairing the New Hanover County Schools Advisory Council for the Improvement of Gifted Education. An avid reader of history, he enjoyed tending the yard and spending time at the beach perfecting his body surfing skills.
Dick was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 60 years, Janet, son Thomas, and sisters Florence and Lorraine. He is survived by his children Lorraine (Jacob), Dianne (Bob), Gil (Janet), and grandchildren Emma, Kyle, Ben, Alex, Liana and Elyssa. He was most proud of giving his children a solid and wholesome foundation for their journey in life. He was happiest spending time with his family, especially when all gathered in Carolina Beach. The memories there will last forever. Memories and condolences can be shared with family online at www.norvelowensmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Pratte
Sponsored by Norvel Owens Mortuary - Flagstaff.
barry kanpol
August 20, 2024
Dick's mentoring changed my life. Not a day passes by, without me thinking of his impact. Rest in peace mentor Dick.
Trevor Davison
July 3, 2024
I just saw Dick's obituary. After my parents and wife, he was the most influential person in my life. I learned so much from him as his PhD student, spending 5 years full-time with him at OSU. We had our run-ins and disagreements but I reflect on my time with him and our conversations regularly
Judith Monseur
April 16, 2024
I just now saw Dr. Pratte's obituary. He was my favorite professor at OSU when I was in my doctoral program. What an intellectual! He challenged students every day and enlightened us in ways I didn't know were possible. His impact on the education world and his students is immeasurable.
Rob Stewart
June 21, 2021
Dr. and Mrs. Pratte were two of my parents closest friends. My Dad and Dr. Pratte relationship goes back to their college days at AIC. Both went into education inspiring young people to make the world a better place. They vacationed and traveled and stayed in touch regularly over the phone. Dr. Pratte wrote numerous successful books over the years and my Dad enjoyed reading every one of them. When visiting us here in NC my parents made a side trip many times to Carolina Beach to visit them. I know he will be missed by his children, grandchildren and many friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Rob, Connie and Courtney Stewart
Dr Otto santos
June 20, 2021
My deepest sympathy. Dick was one of my closest friends and teachers. Had the pleasure of working with him at Ohio state for twenty years. I miss him. Otto santos
William Smidt
June 13, 2021
Thank you, Dr. Pratte, for giving me a lifelong appreciation of History.
Agawam High School, Class of "59"
Willaim Smidt
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