Pelham, MA – Leonard H. Pratt, Sr., 80, longtime resident of Pelham, passed away on March 15, 2026 at Baystate Medical Center.
Known affectionately as Len or Lenny, he was born in Northampton and grew up in North Amherst. He graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 1964, subsequently attending most class reunions with much enthusiasm. He was a well-known and respected member of the Amherst business community, as the owner of the family business, R&P Package Store in South Amherst, since it first opened in 1968. Known for his strong work ethic and gift of gab, he always greeted his customers and friends with a big, warm smile. He was an active member of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, taking on various leadership roles including organizing the 4th of July Fireworks show held at UMass back in the day.
For 50 years, his beloved companion and wife Ruth Pratt was by his side, at home and at work with the family business.They helped raise a caring, blended family together, with his stepson, Nathan, later playing a central role at the package store as well. He especially cherished the time spent at their Cape Cod cottage, fostering a sweet community there, where other family & friends would often visit as well.
From a young age, he had a passion for cars, often driving an interesting make/model like his Triumph TR6. His mechanical skills came in handy with his automobiles and also with the homes he helped build and maintain. He also was quite the chef; he not only enjoyed cooking, often trying new recipes, but also the food shopping experience itself.
He was proud of his roots, often recounting tales from the ancestors, sometimes imitating their Irish accents, as his mother taught him to do. In his younger adult years, he enjoyed playing hockey, as well as coaching and sponsoring a local youth team and attending the sporting events of his children.
He loved the quiet, beautiful nature of Pelham. Up until recently, he could be spotted riding his bicycle in the hills, as his similarly athletic wife Ruth walked alongside at nearly the same pace.
In addition to his 3 children, whom he adored, he found great joy in his four legged family members and cherished his circle of friends and extended family, including many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his wife Ruth; his 3 children Leonard Pratt, Jr (Josie) of Great Barrington, MA; Kimberly Pratt (AC) of Oakland, CA; and Nathan Day (Beth) of South Hadley, MA; his grandchildren Ethan Pratt, Eliza Pratt, Dillon Day and Adrien Day; the Fitzgerald family (Johanna, John, Aileen, Carra, Maeve and Jack); and many others.
He was predeceased by his mother, Rita; father, Chester; and by his ex-wife, Carol.
Calling hours will be held at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst, MA on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 PM, with a burial service at the North Valley / Booth Cemetery in Pelham, MA on Wednesday, March 25th at 10:00 AM.
Donations in his memory may be made to Amherst Regional High School. For more information, please visit: www.douglassfuneral.com.
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