Leon N. Pratt

Leon N. Pratt of Rindge, NH, formerly of Milford, NH, passed away on November 8, 2025. Born in Swanzey, NH on February 27, 1935, he was the son of Roseanne Andersen Pratt and Ralph E. Pratt.

Leon was raised in Milford and attended Milford Schools, graduating with his class in 1953. Leon served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958, serving in Korea and Fort Polk, Louisiana.

In 1958 Leon married the love of his life, Ellen Ruth Koivula and had four sons, Chris, Dan, Robert, and Shaun. Leon worked long days as a builder yet always made time for his boys spending years coaching many teams in Milford, including Pop Warner football and Babe Ruth baseball.

Leon was an experienced builder throughout the Milford area and beyond, known for his quality work and friendly demeanor. Building homes for over 40 years, he created homes for dozens of families.

Many of the young men he employed, continued to become builders themselves after learning the trade from Leon, always giving him credit for the skills they learned.

Leon passed down his skills and knowledge to his four sons, three of whom worked by his side over the years. His knowledge has been passed on to his grandsons who are now third generation carpenters.

After retirement, Leon went back to work at Milford Lumber, keeping in touch with many local builders, many of whom he taught the trade. He was always making new friends with his happy and fun personality.

Leon was predeceased by his son Daniel J. Pratt in 2024, as well as his brother Ralph Pratt and his sister Glenda Simo.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ellen Koivula Pratt, and his sons and their families. Christopher Pratt and Claudia Hernandez of Temple, NH, Robert and Ellen Pratt of Wilton, NH, and Shaun Pratt and Conrad Peterson of Manchester, NH.

Also, his beloved grandchildren, Amy and Ian Ballingall of Harrison, ME, Emily and Ryan Zraunig of Turner’s Falls, MA, Megan and John Robinson, Hannah Pratt and Kristy Pratt of Temple, NH, Connor and Allison Pratt of Milford, NH, Kyle and Lydia Pratt of Groton, MA, Emma and Thomas Pratt of New Boston, NH, and Celia Pratt of Merrimack, NH.

His beloved great-grandchildren, Emery, Leo, Isaac, Violet, Adelyn, Foster, Lilah, and Maya. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Levesque of Mont Vernon, NH; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial visiting hours will be held on Monday, November 17th from 1-3pm & 5-7pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 18th at 10:00am in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 15 High Street, Greenville, NH. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.smith-heald.com