Obituary of Charles Arthur Pratt

Charles M. Pratt and Mary A. Cephas were the proud parents of Charles Arthur Pratt, born and raised in Palmyra, NJ. Charles “Artie” graduated from Palmyra High School where he was very active in football and track. He attended college on a sports scholarship and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Manhattan College in NY. While at college he had the opportunity to travel to Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and throughout the USA as a member of the track and field team. After college he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he would continue his legendary track career. He traveled the world becoming one of the elite track athletes of the 1950’s. His greatest sports accomplishment was winning the National Decathlon Championship 1957. “Charley” was featured in many national and local publications for his many championship titles in track and field. He was named to the All-American Track team in 1955, 1956, and 1957 and was a Hall of Famer for Burlington County 1974, South Jersey 2005 and Manhattan College. When his service to the Army ended, he began his teaching career that lasted until his retirement in 1993. He taught students at Pemberton Township and Riverside High School. Charles later became a High School Counselor, Assistant Dean of Students at Drexel Institute of Technology and finished his career as the Director of Student Services at Rancocas Valley Regional High School. Mr. Pratt was also a member of many professional organizations for his work as an Educator. His final professional work culminating in his book, “Many Villages Raised Charlie Pratt.” Charles was a lifelong member of St. Paul U.A.M.E Church and was honored to be part of the choir. He is predeceased by two brothers, Petey Cephas and Eugene Pratt and ex-wife Blanche Pettigrew. Charles is survived by his sister Ethel Qualls, brother Merrill Pratt, Wife Sandra Person-Pratt, his children, Charles Pratt, Jennifer Pratt- King, Renee Chambers-Liciaga and Ron Chambers, 11 Grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.