Tribute to Dana Pratt

Tribute to Dana Pratt - W2QCV
March 19, 1912 - October 27, 2001

Dana was 89, a retired engineer and manager of broadcast sales for RCA. Born in Wakarusa, KS, he was a resident of Haddonfield, NJ for 43 years. During his high school years he developed a hobby in amateur radio which eventually led to an interest in electrical engineering. He received a degree in electrical engineering from Kansas University. Concurrently Mr. Pratt studied piano and graduated with a degree in music from Washburn University Kansas. While in college Mr. Pratt began his first job at the radio station WIBW. In 1932, as a freshman he joined the National Guard. He was commissioned in the reserve as a 2nd lieutenant. He was called for service in 1941 but because of his work with RCA in military research was allowed to resign and continue his civilian career. Mr. Pratt's work with RCA began in 1935 as a transmitter test man. In 1937 he was transferred to the RCA Service Company where he was responsible for a number of transmitter installations at various stations. In 1941 he was excused from military service and transferred from Broadcast Sales to continue work in crystal production as part of several military research contracts. In 1944 he returned to management of Broadcast Sales. In 1977 while expecting to retire he was made manager over the construction of the antenna on the World Trade Center building. Later Mr. Pratt worked with the Satellite division. Finally Mr. Pratt did consulting with jobs in Puerto Rico and even Saudi Arabia in 1985. Mr. Pratt remained active with his ham radio interest until his death.

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