Memorial - Jeffrey Hastings Pratt

1953-2019

Springfield – Jeffrey Hastings Pratt, 65, was called home to the Lord on March 23, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was raised in West Springfield, MA the son of the late Hattie Jean Dukette and stepson of the late Louis Dukette Sr. He was a graduate of West Springfield High School where he was senior class president. Jeff was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War era and was stationed in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany where he served on the National Ski Patrol, European division at the Armed Forces Recreation Center. Jeff loved America and continued to serve his country in the Army Reserves for 32 years as an Infantry reservist and retired with the rank of Staff Sargent. Jeff was a true leader who saw the potential in others and will be remembered by all who went through his rigorous training camps. During his service he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for dedicated service and leadership. He was employed in various governmental occupations such as working for the United States Postal Service and Department of Defense law enforcement-Natick Labs. He received his Associates degree from Springfield Technical Community College. Jeff was proud of the years that he coached softball in the Sacred Heart Athletic Association. He volunteered in the Military Funeral Honors Program at the MA Veterans’ cemetery in Agawam, MA and was also a life member of the Elks Lodge #61 in Springfield. Jeff was athletic and an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed being in the woods especially with his beloved dog, Heidi. Jeff was an honorable man who loved his country, family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 42 years Evelyn (Artioli) Pratt; his daughters Erica Pratt of Homer, NY and Alison Rosenblat and her husband Geoffrey of Glenmont, NY; his grandchildren Robert and Emily Rosenblat; his sisters Jan Hall and husband Ken of Westfield, MA and Brenda Wright and husband Ron of Kingsman, AZ; his brothers Gregory Pratt and wife Linda of Agawam, MA and Louis Dukette and wife Diane of West Springfield, MA; his mother-in-law Eleanor Artioli; his sister-in-law Sandra Savenko and husband Peter and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jeff was predeceased by his brother Larry Dukette and his sister Joyce Merryman. Family and friends are invited to gather Thursday, March 28, 2019 for visiting hours 10:30am to 12:30pm at Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home, 985 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. Followed by a funeral home service at 12:30pm, and burial with full Military Honors at Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, MA. In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable contribution to the charity of your choice. To leave a message of personal condolence, or for more information please visit www.forastiere.com.