Richard Rockwell Pratt

RICHARD ROCKWELL PRATT

Rear Admiral, United States Navy, (Ret.), died on Thursday, May 25, 2006.

Born on October 17, 1914, to the late Harold and Marguerite Pratt in San Diego, California, he was a graduate of the Class of 1936 at the United States Naval Academy. An accomplished athlete, Admiral Pratt played varsity football and was captain of the varsity baseball team while attending Annapolis. Pratt was the quarterback of the Midshipmen during the 1934 Army Navy Game, where Navy won by a score of 3-0 to establish the first win against Army in 13 years. He met his bride, Ann Virginia Mecleary, in Hawaii after graduation. After a six-week courtship, they were married in 1938. Their first duty station together was Shanghai with the USS Augusta (CA-31), flagship of the Asiatic Fleet. Some of Admiral Pratt's assignments included Executive Officer, USS Lansdowne (DD-486), Commanding Officer USS Hudson (DD-475), Executive Officer USS New Jersey (BB-62), Commanding Officer, USS Norfolk (DL-1) and Commanding Officer of Destroyer Division 222 (COMDESDIV222). Upon selection to Admiral, he assumed command of Amphibious Group Three (COMPHIBGRUTHREE). He was then assigned to European Command (EUCOM) as the J6. He then Commanded Amphibious Training Command (COMPHIBTRAPAC) and served on the Board of Inquiry for the USS Pueblo (AEGR-2). He retired as Commander Service Force Atlantic Fleet (COMSERVLANT). He also served at the Naval Academy for two tours, teaching Ordnance and Gunnery, and was the Assistant to the Superintendent and Executive Officer of Bancroft Hall. His personal decorations include two Navy Crosses, the Silver Star, the Distinguished Service Medal, four Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars with "V" and the Navy Commendation Medal with "V".

Upon retirement, Dick and Ann traveled the world and spent time in their beloved Tamworth, New Hampshire, where he could be found trying to reel in any and all varieties of fish. A gentle and unpretentious man, he was respected by all and adored by his family.

Richard Rockwell Pratt is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ann; children, Richard R., Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida, Pamela Pratt O'Keefe (George) of Bethesda, Maryland, John B. (Candice) of Atlantic Beach, Florida, Ann Pratt Roy of Augusta, Maine, David B. of Coronado, California, Stephen H. (Tara) of Burlingame, California; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass to be held at the United States Naval Academy Chapel at 1330 on Tuesday, June 20 2006, with interment at the Naval Academy Cemetery at Hospital Point.

Arrangements by QUINN-SHALZ, a Family Funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach, FL, 904-249-1100.