Michael Pratico

SOUTHBRIDGE - The family of Michael Pratico is heartbroken to announce his passing on October 11, at the age of 73. After a yearlong struggle with brain cancer, he passed peacefully at home with his family.

Everybody has a Mike Pratico story. Mike was a beloved father, grandfather, husband, neighbor, teacher, and coach who left lasting impressions and impacted hearts with his unique, vibrant, and loving personality.

A diehard Celtics fan, Mike was born to Mary and Thomas Pratico and raised in Schenectady, New York, alongside his three brothers: Tom, Joe, and Dan. Michael could always be seen dribbling a basketball through the streets of his hometown and Saratoga Lake, where his friends were innumerable. A quintessential child of the 1950s, he spent most of his days out of the house, having all sorts of adventures that would be retold years after he could no longer get in trouble for them.

Michael traveled to Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he met his future wife and lifelong partner of 43 years, Paulette (Prunier). Together, they raised two talented and strong-hearted sons, John and Joe. Mike and Paulette raised their family in West Brookfield, MA, where the neighborhood was energized by Mr. Pratico’s games involving treehouses, go-karts, and a busy trampoline and swimming pool. With a wide circle of extended family, Uncle Mike could be counted on to play make-believe games at every barbecue, and he made summer vacations extra special. He was a favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews because of his fun, silly, and playful nature. During these years, Mike and Paulette exemplified complementary parenting styles, demonstrating the importance of being consistent and loyal, and adapting to the individual needs of their children. They demonstrated love and support, helping their sons succeed in their respective ways.

Following his advanced education at Springfield College (B.S. Physical Education), and Russell Sage College (M.S. Special Education), Mike spent over three decades as a Special Education teacher in the Spencer-East Brookfield School District (Lake Street School; David Prouty Intermediate; Wire Village). Teaching was not simply a job for Mike, as it was a vocation that extended beyond the classroom. It is impossible to think of Mike Pratico without connecting with his lifelong commitment to children with special needs, most directly his son Joe. Dad showed everyone in Quaboag what it was like to raise a child with autism with dignity, respect, and inclusion into the community. Just this August, Mike was honored as Caregiver of the Year, in celebration of years of supporting Joey, and threw out the first pitch at a Worcester Red Sox game.

From a young age, Mike felt invigorated by the outdoors and physical activity, and he shared these passions with children and teens. From his time as a lively counselor at Camp Idylwold on Schroon Lake, hiking and fishing in the Adirondacks, to his successes coaching track and field and numerous other youth sports, Mike was active and involved in sports in the community. Mike went on to share all these memories with everyone he met, with comical detail, including the biomechanics of pole vaulting and proud accomplishments of his athletes from 30 years ago. Coach Pratico was often the reason kids fell in love with sports, due to how naturally leadership and coaching came to him.

In retirement, Mike and his family continued to live joyfully and peacefully on Lake Mattawa in Orange, MA, catching thousands of perch, bass, and bluegill. With his family, he would enjoy daily boat rides, swims, and looking for the bald eagle that lived near his beautiful lake house. At family barbecues, his quirky nature led to “Uncle Mike Bingo,” where his nieces and nephews would lovingly score points for his silliness and antics.

Finally, in these retirement years, Mike was able to spend a large amount of time with his beloved granddaughter, Paris. In a long line of children whose hearts were influenced by Mike, this relationship brought him great joy, especially since after two sons, he absolutely adored spoiling and doting on a little girl. He’d indulge her imagination, putting on toenail polish, lipstick, or wearing a princess crown, because Poppy poured his entire heart into being her grandfather. As she got older, Poppy was enormously proud of her growing accomplishments, and we know he will never stop giving Paris coaching tips for swimming. In their ten short years together, Poppy and Paris built up a lifetime of beautiful childhood memories. Like Peter Pan, Paris will never grow up in the eyes of her Poppy.

In closing, we would like to honor the loving family Mike Pratico leaves behind. Mike will be missed by his wife of 43 years, Paulette (Prunier) Pratico. Mike was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by his two sons: Dr. John Pratico (and his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter, Paris) of Worcester, and Joe Pratico (at home) of Southbridge. Mike is survived by three brothers: Thomas (and his wife, Sandra) Pratico of Clifton Park, NY, Joseph Pratico of Scotia, NY, and Daniel Pratico of Clifton Park, NY. He leaves behind his mother, Mary Pratico, and Uncle Phil. A man of many words, Mike is having a very long chat with those who passed before him; he is catching up with his father Thomas (Pop) Pratico, sisters-in-law Dottie Pratico and Patty Prunier, Aunt Gilda, Sam, Bob, Rocco, and his nephew Dan Prunier. Mike was adored and will be missed by his numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends and acquaintances of the Pratico and Prunier families, each with a Mike Pratico story of their own.

The Pratico family will host a private Mass of the Resurrection at St. Anthony’s Church in Schenectady at a later date. Per Mike’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Donations can be made to the Center of Hope Foundation, a local agency that provides services to hundreds of disabled adults including Mike’s son, Joe Pratico. These gifts in his honor can be addressed to: Center of Hope Foundation (attn: Brenda), PO Box 66, 100 Foster St., Southbridge, MA 01550.

In lieu of flowers, please buy some Chinese food from your favorite place, sit down and enjoy with your loved ones, and share your favorite Mike Pratico stories and reminisce about your own family memories.