Kenneth Herbert Pratt Jr.

Chatham – Kenneth “Herbie” Pratt, Jr. passed peacefully on February 23, 2021 at the age of 93. Herb was born in Chatham in 1928 and remained there for the rest of his life. He graduated Chatham High School in 1946 and served in the US Army from 1946-1948, stationed in Panama. After the Army, he returned to Chatham, married JoAnn in 1952, built her their first home and began to raise their family. After sharpening his carpentry skills under Carleton Small, he started a business and hung his own shingle, K. Herbert Pratt Builder, maintaining his contractor’s license until 2004. Many a residence in Chatham has some of his fine touches and craftsmanship, including the three homes he built for his family, one of which was a Camp on North Beach built in 1960.

Herb was a devoted husband and father to his family. He touched the lives of many in Town with his generosity, quirky humor and genuine caring for all. If he passed you anywhere in town, you were likely the recipient of his friendly wave, whether he knew you or not. He was unpredictable in every way. He loved his hometown, the people, the history and family tree he was privileged to adorn as a 14th generation native Cape Codder.

He was an avid baseball fan. He loved the sport from an early age. He took in some of the ball players of the Chatham Anglers (Athletics) during the summer months, giving them housing and jobs, always following their careers beyond amateur play.

Herbie became a Master Mason at St. Martin’s Lodge in October, 1966. He served as Master of the Lodge from September, 1973 through August, 1974. He remained an active member for 54 years of service, until just a few years ago. He was very much loved by his brothers at St. Martin’s Lodge. He also was a member of The Shriners, a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, and served on the Chatham Library Board of Directors for over a decade.

He was the son of the late Kenneth Pratt Sr. and Louise Pratt. He is predeceased by his wife, JoAnn Gordon Pratt and his brother, John Pratt, and many close friends. He is survived by his daughters, Teri Pratt-Masson and husband Tom of Centerville, Sharon Bidwell and husband Howard of Yarmouth, and Lorri Pratt of Salem, OR and his son, Kenneth H Pratt III and wife Beth of Chatham. He also leaves his brother Gordon Pratt and wife Jean of Chatham, and their sons, Greg, Scott, Andrew and Michael, and John’s daughters, Rebecca Buscanera and Kira Jones, both of Falmouth, four grandsons, a granddaughter and three great-granddaughters.

Visitation will be at Nickerson Funeral Home in Chatham from 2-4 pm March 25, 2021 with a private Seaside Cemetery burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to St. Martin’s Lodge, 52 Old Harbor Road, Chatham, MA. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.