Thomas Bratter Obituary

Thomas Edward Bratter

Dr. Thomas Edward Bratter, of Salisbury, Conn., age 73 died at St. Luke's Hospital, Houston, Texas on August 3, 2012, after a long illness with heart disease. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Carole Jaffe Bratter, formerly of Houston, daughter Barbara (of Houston, Texas), son Edward and daughter in law, Andrea (of Newtown, Conn.) and three grandchildren Ben, Max, and Ali.

He is also survived by siblings Nancy Phillips and family of Scarsdale, N.Y., Nancy Polikoff and family of Washington, D.C. and Stanley Newman of New York City.

Tom grew up and raised his family in Scarsdale, New York. He was a graduate of Columbia College and Teachers College, Columbia University. Tom loved beautiful things and had a special appreciation for history, art and nature.

Tom also leaves behind a legacy of professional accomplishment as a psychologist dedicated to helping troubled adolescents. Numerous lives were touched and improved through his establishment and work at the John Dewey Academy, a residential high school for bright, troubled adolescents in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Tom's colorful personality and tireless concern for youth and their families will be missed by many.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A private service will take place in Houston at 10:30 am Monday. Contact Houston Jewish Funeral for details. A service will be held at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire in Great Barrington, Massachusetts on Friday August 10 at 2:30 for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to John Dewey Academy, Inc., (non-profit tax deductible) c/o Mario Verdolini, 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Aug. 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Bratter

11 Entries

Lynn Weinstein

August 3, 2021

I knew Tom and Carole very well.
the passing of Tom was really so premature. He was larger than life; had a wonderful family and dedicated himself to helping children in need.
He will always be missed.

Allan Blau

January 11, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's death. We have had a long and somewhat distant relationship but I have respected the work that he did with children for years. Tom was a one of a kind brilliant and caring I all that he did. He has changed the lives of so many and will be missed.
Allan Blau , mountainside NJ and Stockbridge MA

Tracey Nicol

October 17, 2012

I am heartbroken to learn that the man who is responsible for me living in this world today is no longer with us. HE meant everything to me. The greatest gift after he "fixed" me was giving me the honor of dancing with me at my wedding to a song I dedicated to him "That's what friends are for". Carole, I know I speak for many, thank you for sharing him with us all these years. He did make a difference in the lives of many. I am blessed to have been one of them. I Love You Tom, as he always signed off "I remain in the struggle together".

Lloyd Ross

August 20, 2012

Tom was a great friend and colleague who I have known for the past 20 years. Throughout the years, we would try to match each other in "colorfulness" but I think Tom won hands down, especially when we both attended ICSPP meetings through the years. I miss him incredibly as he is one of the most irreplacable people in the world. God be with yoi Tom.

August 14, 2012

I always called him Tom Terrific and that he was.

Have know Carole and Tom forever and there is definitely a void since Tom's passing.

He did so much good for so many people

Our sincerest condolences to Carole Eddie Andrea the kids and barbra

Sincerely

Lynn and marty weinstein

Max Hartman

August 14, 2012

I'll never forget you Tom. My children will know your name. Thank you so much for everything & I won't let you down.

Judy and Haskell Rosenthal

August 13, 2012

It was with great sadness we learned of Tom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Alexander Duffy

August 10, 2012

My heart ache. I could not sleep well knowing that my good friend, Thomas E. Bratter has passed yesterday with long battle of heart illness. He was my friend, my family, my founder father, my idol, and my mentor. I used to be one of his student attending to John Dewey Academy in Great Barrington, Mass. A private property school for troubled students. I was a student there for about 3 and half years. whatever I learned from Tom, I will always cherish his words and his love helping many many troubled students getting into a very good colleges. My dad have always admired Tom and know Tom has a very big heart for those troubled kids. His motto was " YOU ONLY HAVE ONE CHANCE IN LIFE. YOU CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE FOR YOURSELF, YOU CAN EITHER SWIM TO SUCCESS OR SINK TO BE A FAILURE. " I am glad to say I did swim ! I would not be here or would be in jail if it was for Tom Bratter. Thank you, Tom. Love you. We will meet again when its my time. Rest in peace, my friend. Your work is done, you are a legacy and you have done enough, you have put a very strong influences into a lot of peoples lives. Thank you again.

Suzie Blaut

August 9, 2012

A true original, and champion of the kids he fought so valiently to save. His successes are an honor to his memory. Thank-you family for sharing him with us.

David Dempsey

August 9, 2012

To Toms entire extended family, our deepest sympathy. I first met Tom around 1984-85 when our family owned Dempsey Pontiac-Buick-Olds on Bridge St. and he was calling us for help. He was on his way back to NY on the Mass Pike with car trouble in his Buick, on a Friday. I explained that, if he could be patient, I would get his car in for repair. After a couple of hours walking around Gt.Barrington, he returned and asked me about the vacant castle behind us. I told him it was for sale and he proceeded to walk up to the bank that had it listed. On his return, his car was fixed, and we joked about how ironic it would be if he bought that property. Well....a couple of months later he did, and the rest is history. He was a good neighbor and a good friend and he will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace, your work is done.

Jill Libman

August 9, 2012

It is with great sadness that I have been informed of the passing of my dear friend and classmate. He will be remembered as a champion with the students he touched and always a champion with his family and friends.
On behalf of the Edgemont High School first graduating class I submit our deepest sympathy. Fond memories are everlasting.
Jill Libman
Class Chair
Edgemont High School Class of 1957

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