Robert Anthony Bratt, age 78, a longtime resident of Easton, MA, retired in Bridgewater, MA, passed away Tuesday, October 24th, surrounded by his loving family. Loved ones, friends and family will forever remember him for his incredible artistic abilities, warm hospitality, and adventurous spirit.
Bob was born in Milton, raised and educated in Quincy, and was a graduate of Boston College High School, Class of 1963. He completed three years at Butera School of Art, earning his Associate’s Degree before enlisting into the Navy in 1966. He went to boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Station and upon graduation, relocated to Saratoga Springs for further training. He specialized in electronics and attended the prestigious Naval Nuclear Power School, ultimately joining the ranks as a “Navy Nuke”. Bob was stationed on board the USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) and served multiple tours of duty. During his service, he received many commendations including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Award, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea) and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. Bob was honorably discharged in 1972.
After his service, Bob returned home to Massachusetts to begin his life as a family man and a 24-year career with Bechtel as a Quality Control Inspector. Bob and Del raised their five children in Brockton and Easton, where he was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church, participating in shows, the choir, and singing during masses. He had a passion for painting murals, teaching ceramics, and creating stained glass. His works of art still adorn many local homes and are an enduring source of joy. Bob was also an adventurer at heart and loved traveling the world. He could often be found meandering around the decks of his favorite cruise ships, sunning himself on beaches from Portugal to Australia and touring around the great cities of the world all the while “sampling” their neighborhood bakeries. Bob was also no stranger to New England’s many ski trails and white-water rivers and thoroughly enjoyed being “one of the boys” carving turns down the powdery slopes of Whistler Blackcomb.
During retirement, Bob embraced his love of gardening. Sunrise to sunset, neighbors often found him knee deep in his fish pond and tending overflowing garden beds. Bob celebrated his 70th birthday surprising everyone with the Beep-Pa, a 35-foot catamaran he helped to captain from Florida to Hull, MA sailing the Intercoastal Waterway and blue waters offshore the East Coast. He experienced profound joy being out on the water and was happiest leading day trips around the Boston Harbor Islands, sailing Buzzards Bay and anchoring off Sunrise Beach in Marshfield for the 3rd of July Fireworks.
Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Adele, whom he loved beyond measure; his sons Phillip, Erek and his wife Carol, Bryon and his wife Karen; his daughter Sarah Sheehan and her husband Tim; his grandsons Cameron, Jake, Ryon and Brayden, and granddaughter Addison; his sister, Carol O’Keefe; and his many cousins, nieces, and nephews; as well as many extended family members who will all miss him more than words can express. Bob is preceded in death by his beloved son Patrick, as well as his parents Joseph and Mildred Bratt.
A memorial mass and celebration of Bob’s life will be held Monday, November 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint John the Evangelist Church at 210 East Central Street, East Bridgewater. All are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.