Joseph F. Prata
Early Life
Joseph Francis Prata was born on October 25, 1895, in Italy, the son of Anselmo and Jennie Prata. He immigrated to the United States as a child, arriving around 1902, and grew up as part of a large Italian-American family. By 1920, he was living in Rye, New York, where his family had established roots within the local immigrant community.
At the time of his World War I draft registration in 1917, he was residing at 110 Vail (later Railroad) Avenue in Rye and working as a chauffeur. He reported no prior military service and no dependents, and was single at that time.
World War I Service
Prata entered naval service on December 19, 1917, at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, joining the United States Naval Reserve Force. He was initially assigned to the Federal Rendezvous in Brooklyn, a processing and training center for newly enlisted sailors.
He later served with Headquarters, 3rd Naval District in New York, before being assigned to the USS Granite State, a training and support vessel used during World War I. While aboard ship, he advanced to the rating of Machinist’s Mate Second Class, a technical position responsible for maintaining and operating mechanical systems essential to naval operations.
His service was primarily stateside, contributing to training, readiness, and support functions within the Navy during the war. He served through the end of hostilities and was discharged to inactive duty on April 30, 1919.
Life After Service
Following his military service, Prata returned to Rye, where he became a long-time resident and established himself in the building trades. He operated his own plumbing business for many years, contributing to the development and maintenance of homes and infrastructure in the community.
During World War II, he continued to support the war effort as a civilian contractor at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, reflecting a continued connection to naval service and industrial work.
Later in life, he relocated to San Diego, California, where he spent his final years.
Joseph F. Prata died on February 5, 1971, at his home in San Diego, California, following an apparent heart attack.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Rose Prata; his brothers, Philip Prata and Virgil Prata of Rye, and Dr. Michael Prata of Danville, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.