David W. Pratt
April 7, 1947 ~ January 23, 2014
Resided in:
Rochester, NY
Rochester: David passed peacefully on January 23, 2014 at age 66 with his family by his side after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda; daughter, Dr. Robin (John) Rathjens of Orange, CT; son, Dr. Brian Pratt of Rochester; brother Lawrence J.(Nancy Rhodes) Pratt of Medina; beloved grandchildren Anton and Eliza. He was the son of the late John D. Pratt, Jr. and Norma V. Pratt.
David was an idealistic, dedicated educator with a 30 year career in education. He served 25 years in the Greece Central School District as a teacher, coach, Supervisor of Secondary Science and Mathematics, and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. He retired with 5 additional years of service in the Webster Central School district where he was the Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Personnel. His driving force was always the passionate belief that all kids can learn.
A devoted family man known for his wonderful storytelling, sharp intellect and quick wit. David enjoyed golfing and was an avid sports fan and nature enthusiast. But above all, he will be remembered as a role model for his honesty and his commitment to friends and family. He will be missed by all.
David was a Veteran of the United States Army and a member of the American Legion.
Special thanks to Dr. Timothy Woodlock and his staff for their care and support.
David's visitation will be held Tuesday (January 28th) 4-7 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson Funeral Home, 1075 Long Pond Road, Greece Chapel. Private Interment. It was David's wish that in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to either Unity Health Foundation c/o Outpatient Oncology at St. Mary's 89 Genesee St., Rochester, NY 14611 or National Audubon Society, 225 Varick St, 7th floor, New York, NY 10014 in David's memory. For more information, or to sign David's online guestbook, please visit Meesonfamily.com.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
David was the shinning star in my professional life. We had many,many basketball discussions. I could always rely on a listening ear, relentless support and powerful advice.whenever needed.God Bless you David, rest in peace, you will be missed!
May you rest in peace, my friend and classmate ’65
Best teacher, mentor I ever had. I am inspired to pursue science to this day because of Mr Pratt and the love of learning he instilled in me. Jim Hardy
Fellow Masked Avenger Dave ‘The Bush’–My heart is with you and the family. You were a great teacher, solid friend, top drawer athlete, family man. Can’t sing ‘Little Darlin’ without you. Linda, Brian, Robin and all the family, your loss is the loss of all who knew Dave. Peace and strength now and always.
I taught with Dave at Athena High School from 1977 until 1982. I remember him most fondly for his fairness and generosity. I am holding his loved ones in my thoughts and prayers. May he be in a peaceful place to rest and restore his soul..
Peace attend thee my dear friend
So hard to think of this earth without you.
Love infinity
Rest in Peace, you changed the lives of so many people and made this world a better place for all. You were that rare person that could always find the good in all people.
When ever my family would go home to visit relatives in Medina NY I always look forward to being able to visit with my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Being a younger cousin, just like being a younger brother can be a pain to deal with sometimes but whenever I would get a chance to visit with David and Larry they were always interested in what I was doing with school, sports and anything else that might be going on in my life in Bethel Park PA where I was growing up. Regretfully we never got to spend much time together but I will never forget the kindness he showed and the words he spoke.God bless you David and may god be with Linda, Robin and Brian in this difficult time.
Having recently learned of the loss of your dear loved one, I extend my deepest sympathy. My condolences to all of you. Although words cannot fill the emptiness of your loss, please take comfort in knowing that Our Creator has promised to remove all causes of pain, suffering, sorrow, and even death forever! May your grieving hearts be comforted by this hope as you gain the strength and inner peace to cope with the difficult days ahead.
We didn’t know David well but we did know what a good person he was even from the first introductions four year ago. He and Linda were two of the first people we met upon moving into our house.
As time went on he would walk his beautiful and well groomed dog and as he walked by he always had a nice greeting, sometimes stopping to chat for a minute or two. He will and already is being missed. Our prayers to Linda and children.
A good teacher, a good football coach, a good man.
Dear Linda, Robin, and Brian. I hope you find comfort knowing what an unbelievable human being he was. For me, one memory is better than the next. Everything from The Masked Avengers, to your first house on Rye Rd., to working with him doing my administrative internships. He had such energy and a zest for life and laughter was always a part of his persona. Brilliant too in so many ways. He always, always put his family first. I am sorry that I cannot be there tonight. What a man!!!
It Is Enough
by Anne Alexander Bingham
To know that the atoms
of my body
will remain
to think of them rising
through the roots of a great oak
to live in
leaves, branches, twigs
perhaps to feed the
crimson peony
the blue iris
the broccoli
or rest on water
freeze and thaw
with the seasons
some atoms might become a
bit of fluff on the wing
of a chickadee
to feel the breeze
know the support of air
and some might drift
up and up into space
star dust returning from
whence it came
it is enough to know that
as long as there is a universe
I am a part of it.
Linda and family, I am so sorry that I cannot be there in person to express my condolences. Dave, and his support staff have been real competitors. Not only did he take the game to the third period, he forced everyone into overtime and a shoot -out. I think I won the game since I have been blessed to know you and Dave for over 20 years. Warmest regards, tom ward
Mr. Pratt left an incredible legacy of kindness, love, humor, and integrity which is evidenced in the spectacular character of the children he raised, and the lives he continues to touch through them. Thank you for that. – Ray
May you rest in peace throughout eternity.
Teammate and colleague, my thought are with you and Linda. May you all now find peace.