Richard L. Bratt, 72, of 31 Laurel Hill Lane, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 20, 2007, after a struggle with a rare illness called Amyloidosis.

   He leaves his wife of 45 years, Jean W. (Seavey) Bratt; three daughters, Cheryl Bungum and her husband Brett of Minnesota, Sandra J. Laredo and her husband Dan of Virginia and Diana L. Powers and her husband John of Rutland; a brother, Robert Bratt of Ipswich; a sister, Lois Genis of Marblehead; seven grandchildren, Sam & Josh Bungum, Stephen, Tyler and Jennifer Laredo, and Alyssa and Matthew Powers. A brother, Carl Bratt of Center Harbor, NH, predeceased him. He was born in Lynn, son of Leonard and Hildur (Anderson) Bratt, and has lived in Holden for 40 years. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN and was a graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he received both an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and his MBA. He was an active member of both Alumni Associations. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

   Mr. Bratt worked as a product engineer for Norton Company in Worcester for 29 years, retiring in 1996. He was owner of Bratt Corporation and proud manufacturer of his father's invention, the "Bratt's Bat". He was a member and longtime choir member at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Music played a central role throughout his entire life, and most recently, he played his clarinet in the Wachusett Community Band. He was an avid golfer and was a member of Sterling Country Club.

   A memorial service for Mr. Bratt will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 24th, in Immanuel Lutheran Church, Holden. Burial will be private in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Memorial Fund, 346 Shrewsbury St., Holden, MA 01520. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden is directing arrangements.