Wellsville, NY - John W. Pratt Jr., 55, of 5098 Niles Hill Road died on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at home, surrounded by his family. He was born January 25, 1957 in Chandler, AZ at Williams AFB the son of John W. and Joan (Cameron) Pratt Sr. On September 8, 2007 in Andover he married Jan Newland who survives.
John was a 1976 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was formerly employed at Loblaws in Wellsville and Pratt Oil Company Fords Brook Road Wellsville, NY. He began his career with Harris Supply Company of Wellsville in 1986 and continued with I.D. Booth Company until his recent illness. He was a member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge # 1495.
John had an amazing love of family and life. He also had an enthusiastic love for all things RV; which he shared with everyone and anyone who would listen. He was at his finest in his captain's chair, driving the big rig on a trip with his wife and family, wherever the road took them. An avid sports fan, John loved to watch his Yankees and Sabres, and played slow-pitch softball himself for years. He later loved being able to coach both Cinderella softball for 7-11 year old girls, and then slow-pitch softball; where he coached the Better Days team for several years, winning numerous championships. His love of sports came from his love of life; which he brought to everyone he came into contact with. Forever the loving, compassionate man, he brought joy to everyone who was lucky enough to know him and be a part of his life.
Surviving in addition to his wife, is his mother, Joan (Pratt) Giddings of Franklin, TN, three children, Jennifer (Tim) Doyle and Renee (Ryan) Potter both of Wellsville and 2nd LT. Ryan Pratt, U. S. Army Reserves of Franklin, TN, three step-children, Patrick (Lynda) Winans of Cuba, Christine Winans of Olean and Staff Sergeant Daniel Colf USAF of Aviano, Italy, five grandsons (Ty Potter, Ethan Potter, Carson Potter, Mark Paige and Jensen Winans), one brother, Jerry (Adelaide) Pratt of Franklin, TN, two sisters, Sharon (Mike) Johnson of Fort Walton, FL and Brenda (Bob) Sobeck of Wellsville , as well as several nieces & nephews and his ex-wife Diana Green Pratt. He was predeceased by his father John W. Pratt Sr.
Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will be Wednesday at 11:00 am at the First Congregational Church, 289 N. Main Street in Wellsville with Rev. Ralph Eastlack presiding. Memorial donations can be made to Homecare & Hospice as well as the American Cancer Society. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.