HOWARD EUGENE PRATT

July 4, 1939 – September 25, 2025

We are saddened to announce the passing of Howard Pratt. Born in Brooklyn in 1939, the only child of Irwin and Mildred (Gelfand) Pratt, the family moved to Los Angeles when Howard was nine. He attended North Hollywood High School, then in 1957 joined the U.S. Navy, serving two years on the USS Hector. Following his discharge, he took up the plumbing trade, becoming a member of Plumbers & Fitters Union 761, and working for Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation for over 35 years. One of his favorite job locations was the Hollywood Bowl, where he was well-known & liked by the staff there. In 1996, he inherited the Studio City home where he had grown up, & lived there for the rest of his life. He retired in 1998, becoming a regular participant at the Sepulveda Basin Flying Field, building & flying model airplanes.

Howard was an avid outdoorsman – fishing, hunting, camping, boating, cycling, water-skiing, snow-skiing & archery were all recreational activities. He had a special love for sports cars, at various times owning an Austin Martin, a Corvette & a Porsche, and motorcycles, proud owner of a Honda Valkyrie for several years. Most of all, Howard appreciated his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 55 years, Barbara; his daughter Lori DeSmet of Simi Valley (Tom), sons Brad Verity of Studio City & Duane Kerr of Orange, CA (Elizabeth); grandchildren Madison DeSmet, Brooke DeSmet, Ryan Kerr of Provo, Utah (Alyson), Katherine Ngatikaura of Orange (Tyson), Ethan Kerr, & Garrett Kerr; great-grandson Noah Ngatikaura; dear cousins Barbara Jennings & Craig Gelfand; and extended family.

A life well led, rest in peace Howie.