Pennsylvania HR 334: A Resolution remembering the distinguished life and service of the Honorable Ralph D. Pratt, former six-term member of the House of Representatives, who died August 18, 2025, in New Castle, Lawrence County, at 85 years of age.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 2407
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 334
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY M. BROWN, BERNSTINE, WENTLING AND BONNER,
OCTOBER 6, 2025
TO UNCONTESTED CALENDAR UNDER RULE 35 OCTOBER 6, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Remembering the distinguished life and service of the Honorable
Ralph D. Pratt, former six-term member of the House of
Representatives, who died August 18, 2025, in New Castle,
Lawrence County, at 85 years of age.
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives joins in commending
Ralph D. Pratt's talents as a research chemist and chemical
engineer, including his work on behalf of the Gemini space
program; and
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives honors Mr. Pratt's
contributions to State government as an assistant attorney
general, labor relations coordinator and legislator; and
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives notes Mr. Pratt's
dedication to our legal and judicial systems as an attorney and
judge; and
WHEREAS, Elected to the House of Representatives from the
10th District, Mr. Pratt represented Lawrence and Mercer
Counties from 1975 through 1982 and Beaver, Lawrence and Mercer
Counties from 1983 through January 6, 1986; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pratt was appointed to the Joint Legislative Air
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and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee in the
early 1980s; and
WHEREAS, Elected in 1985 to a newly created third seat on the
Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas, Mr. Pratt's focus on the
bench extended from family-related cases to civil cases and
trials; and
WHEREAS, From 2000 through June 2004, Mr. Pratt managed and
supported the county court and minor court systems and related
agencies as president judge; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pratt heard cases as needed as a senior judge;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pratt attended New Castle schools and Lincoln
High School in Ellwood City; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pratt held a bachelor of science degree in
chemistry from Baldwin-Wallace College and a juris doctor degree
from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pratt earned master's degrees in health law from
the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health
and judicial studies from the University of Nevada; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pratt's early study of statutory law and legal
sanctions relating to physician assistants was published in
1972; and
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives expresses condolences
to Mr. Pratt's family, with grateful recognition of his
significant work as a public servant; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives remember the
distinguished life and service of the Honorable Ralph D. Pratt,
former six-term member of the House of Representatives, who died
August 18, 2025, in New Castle, Lawrence County, at 85 years of
age; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
Mrs. Susan Pratt.
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