Uncrowned Community Builders

Gus E. Pratchett was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. His parents were Gus and Australia Pratchett. He graduated from Druid High School in Tuscaloosa before the family relocated to Buffalo, New York in 1957. He earned an associate's degree from Erie County Technical Institute and later earned a bachelor's degree in applied science from Medaille College.

He was a faithful member of St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church for over 55 years.

Mr. Pratchett was employed at Veterans Affairs Medical Center for 39 years. He was the chief of respiratory therapy upon his retirement in 1995.

He was a member of the NAACP, the Buffalo Chapter of the Tuscaloosa Reunion Club and the Buffalo High-Lites. Mr. Pratchett also was on the boards of the Langston Hughes Center, the Sickle Cell Anemia Association of Western New York and the Parent Advisory Board of McKinley High School and was a past president of the Cornwall Avenue Block Club. He was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He served as the Exchequer of the Buffalo Alumni Chapter for many years. He and his son, Greg, were more than father and son. they also shared the loving bond of fraternity brothers and were the only active father/son members of Kappa Alpha Psi in the Western New York area.

His diverse interests included bowling, photography, playing cards, extensive travel and spending quality time with his family and friends.

Combating Alzheimer's, he spent his last days at Beechwood Continuing Care Facility in Amherst New York.

He was married to the former Mamie L. Taylor on June 12, 1959 and the union endured for 53 years. The couple have three daughters, Karen, Sabrena and Debra and a son, Gregory.