Posted 07/21/2011

John J. Prath

John J. Prath passed away on July 19, 2011. He was the loving husband of Trudi Prath and cherished father of his four children: Trudi (Ron), Deb (Val, Jr.), John Jr. and Christine (Sandy); proud grandfather (greatgrandfather) of eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

John was born and raised in Springfield Township, Montgomery County where he attended grade school and graduated from Springfield High School in 1940. In 1950 John was appointed as a police officer to the Springfield Township Police Department. He was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 1956 and then to Detective Sergeant in 1960. This was an unprecedented position, being the first detective in the history of Springfield Township Police Department. After completing 25 years of service with the Police Department, John retired and was then hired as a County Detective by the late District Attorney, Milton O. Moss in 1975. That is when he became under the supervision of the legendary Chief "Chick" Moody, that in itself was a rewarding experience. John also served in the U.S. Navy for three and a half years. John joined the Montgomery County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #14 and was a fifty year member. In 1956 John was elected 1st Vice President and in 1957 was elected President. He was the Chaplain at the time of his death and served in that position for twenty five years. During his 50 years with the F.O.P. he had been delegated to conferences and was a member of many committees. (Legislative Committee, Rap Sheet Committee, Election Committee, By-Law Committee, Chairman of the Obligation Committee, Chairman of the Retired Membership Committee.) John was a 32nd degree Mason Shriner and a member of Hiram Masonic Lodge #81 for 41 years.
 

Visitation will be Monday July 25, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Pennsylvania Ave., Oreland. Service will begin at 11:00. Interment at Ft. Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: Silver Springs, Martin Luther School. 512 West Township Line Rd., Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.

Published in Montgomery Newspapers on July 21, 2011