I had the pleasure of meeting longtime Wellesley resident Stan Pratt, who died this week, while serving on the Wellesley Historical Society board. Stan always approached me before meetings to introduce (or re-introduce) himself and share a few pleasantries.
I was pretty steeped in reporting on the world of venture-backed technology companies at the time, and I could see that Stan had a sharp financial mind from his comments during our board meetings. But I didn’t have a full appreciation for his role in the venture and private equity fields until the Society honored him and his family back in 2014. That’s when the history started to roll out.
According to Stanley Edward Pratt’s obituary, he was inducted into the Private Equity Hall of Fame for his venture capital efforts. He published a trade publication called Venture Economics Journal, and published several books about the industry as well.
A veteran of the Korean War, his career included jobs at companies like W.E. Hutton & Co., as well as several startups. He co-founded Abbott Capital management, and not by chance, his family for generations has owned one of Wellesley’s truly special homes on Abbott Road that has been opened to the public for Historical Society and other events over the years.
Stan Pratt leaves his wife Maryanne “Burkey” Pratt, his children, and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020 at 10am at the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church with luncheon to follow at Wellesley Country Club.
We pass along our condolences to family and friends.
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