Thomas L. Pratt

Athol – Thomas L. Pratt, 55, of 204 Freedom Street, died Saturday, March 26, 2011 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare after an illness.      Tom was born in Athol, Massachusetts, November 15, 1955, the son of the late George R. and Betty-Sue (Ballou) Pratt.  He grew up and has lived in Athol all of his life, graduating from Athol High School in 1975.   He then entered the U.S. Air Force from 1975 until 1979 being honorably discharged as a Sergeant.        Tom worked for the L.S. Starrett Company as a computer programmer for the past 32 years.  He was a certified EMT, was an active member of the Mohawk Amateur Radio Club, serving as president for several terms working many events providing radio coverage, including the Boston Marathon which he did for 13 years.  He loved hiking, kayaking and long -distance biking.  Tom was also an accomplished photographer, especially on local scenes and loved every new gadget that came out.      Tom leaves a son, Ryan Pratt; his mother Betty-Sue Pratt; a sister, Susan Murphy and her husband Pat, all of Athol; a brother John Pratt of Lompoc, CA; and a sister Linda Brunelle and her husband Stanley of Springfield, VT; three nieces and four nephews.  He also leaves his long-time best friend, Wayne “Lumphy” Richardson of Athol.        Calling hours will be held Tuesday, March 29, 2011 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Higgins O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol.  A private burial will be at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Gardner VNA Hospice Program, 34 Pearley Lane, Gardner, MA 01440 or the Mohawk Amateur Radio Club, c/o Mark S. Kimmel, 347 Ridge Road, Athol, MA  01331. $(document).ready(function(){ });