G. Woodford 'Woodie' Pratt, 97, Magazine Art Director and Art Editor

An obituary from Magner Funeral Home:

G. Woodford Pratt, “Woodie”, of Norwalk, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on January 9th, 2015. He was 97 years young and born in Pelham, NY.

A life well lived with passion and grace. We wanted, and thought, he would live forever. He was a most wonderful son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather and nearly a great-grandfather.

As a young man he showed exceptional artistic talent and attended the most prestigious schools including The Boston Museum School of Fine Arts. He served in World War II as a member of the Army Signal Corps. He came home in 1945 from India, to become a part of “The Greatest Generation.”

While in the Army he met his future beloved wife, Francie at a USO Dance, where Francie was a volunteer, and where they danced the night away to the melodic sounds of the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra.

Through the war years Woodie’s talent, indeed, gift, for art never left him. He spent most of his professional career working for Conde’ Nast Publications initially as an art editor for Vogue Magazine and then art director of House and Garden Magazine.

Woodie was a man of New York City. He commuted into the city every day. On his return commuting trips he would often drop into Mario’s Place, where everybody knew his name. Mario’s became a constant thread during his life for family and friends to gather throughout the years. He loved to play tennis and the piano and painted in his studio until the end of his life.

Woodie was predeceased by his wife, Francie and is survived by his sons: Thomas Pratt and Robert Pratt and wife Karen McCarthy Pratt of Norwalk: and daughters: Constance Pratt DiOrio of Wakefield, RI and Ann-Ewing Pratt Thompson and husband William Thompson of Bedford, New Hampshire and Grandchildren: Matthew Thompson and wife Allyssa: Brad Thompson and his fiancée Meghan Doyle: Christopher DiOrio: Elizabeth DiOrio: Danny Pratt and Kimberly Pratt and most importantly his first Great Grandson who will be born in February and told all about his Great Grandfather.

Woodie was adored by his family and all who knew him and we will miss him forever. A private “Celebration of Life” will be held for family and friends this Saturday.