And after completing that task several years ago, Pratt found himself yet another job in 2001, that of an elected member to the School Committee.

He did so even as he began to lose ground against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , an illness that robbed him of his lung capacity and eventually his ability to walk.

Pratt would go on to finish his tour of duty on the School Committee just as he had finished several tours of duty with branches of the military, the Air Force during the Korean War, the Army, the Rhode Island Island National Guard and the Army Reserves.

On Tuesday, Pratt’s battle with disease ended at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, in North Providence, a facility he visited frequently while attempting to stage one last recovery fight.

He was 72.

“I know he was very ill,” former School Committee Vice Chairman Peter Vangel said when contacted about Pratt’s death on Tuesday.

“He told me he wasn’t feeling very well,” Vangel, who had served closely with Pratt on the panel during his two-year tenure.

Pratt had faced similar stays in the hospital several times during his term, but always made it back to attend meetings.

“He was ill, but basically made the most of meetings,” Vangel said.

“No doubt about it, it was certainly difficult for him, but he showed up because he wanted to be there,” Vangel said.

As a member, Pratt worked with Vangel and former School Committee Chairman Edward O. Boucher to revise committee rules, increase security in local schools and oversee the completion of two new elementary schools, Gov. Aram Pothier and Edward Harris.

He also served as a whip of sorts for the majority headed by Boucher — at times debating issues with current School Committee member John F. Ward, and former member Michael Lavigne — and voicing strong support for positions set out by Vangel, a retired school superintendent and longtime local educator.

“He had a strong commitment to serve on the committee and was someone concerned about what was happening with public education,” Vangel said.

While sometimes at odds with Pratt and the past committee majority, Ward on Tuesday also voiced praise for his interest in serving on the panel and overcoming the illness that stood in his way.

“I respect him a lot for coming out and running for office even when he was in ill health,” Ward said.

“He really did his best to contribute in the way he thought best,” he said.

“You have to respect that, whether you agree or disagree with his views,” he said.

Pratt also finished out his term, Ward said, showing up at meetings even after deciding he would not run again.

“He was always there and always contributed,” he said. “He put himself through the utmost pain and suffering to show up and participate.”

The School Committee meets Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in the Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center and will pause for a moment of silence for those present to remember Pratt and offer their prayers, Ward said.

John R. Dionne, a longtime friend of Pratt’s, said he was feeling quite saddened by his death.

“At 72 years old, it certainly was too young,” Dionne said.

While most recently active with School Committee, Dionne said Pratt was involved in many other activities in his community over the years. In addition to the Police Reserves where he worked closely with Dionne under Mayor Francis Lanctot’s Administration, Pratt was also a member of the Lions Club, a 32nd-degree Mason and an active veteran.

“I think his community spirit was second to none,” Dionne said.

Pratt was a past Commander of the St. Joseph Veterans Association on Louise Street and also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 11519, holding the position of Service Officer, and a member of the Poisson-Cournoyer Chapter 12 Post of the Disabled American Veterans in Manville.

He also served at the Pentagon for a time after leaving the Air Force.

Dionne recalls Pratt as making many trips as a Lion to transport local children to their appointments at Boston burn centers and also working with kids as “McGruff the Crime Dog,’’ while helping the local police department in neighborhood watch programs.

It was during such work that Dionne said he found Pratt to be a valued friend.

“I have never met anyone in my life, and I have met a lot of people, as loyal as Lucien Pratt. When he got to know you and supported you, it was always 100 percent,” he said.

Pratt’s loyalty to his community was also “second to none,” as evidenced by his interest in serving on the School Committee even as his illness worsened.

Dionne credited Pratt’s companion, retired Woonsocket Police Capt. Diane Brown, with helping him through the most difficult times he faced.

“If it wasn’t for Diane Brown, I’m sure Lucien Pratt would have been in a nursing home a couple of years ago,” he said.

Brown transported Pratt to his many appointments as his reliance on oxygen increased, and helped him survive many life-threatening bouts of respiratory illness.

“If you went into her house and saw his room, you would think you were in a hospital,” he said. “She’s a very special person and she’s strong,” he said.

In addition to his community service, Pratt’s legacy will include his work for the Department of Environmental Management helping to write the state’s boat titling law, Dionne noted.

The law became a copy for a national marine craft title law and helped in law enforcement efforts to curb boat theft and reuse of stolen vessels.

“Lucien Pratt was a very unique individual,” Dionne said while recalling his many accomplishments.

Pratt also leaves a daughter, Patricia Pratt of Cumberland, and two sons, Michael A. and Douglas Pratt, also of Cumberland, and two grandchildren.

His funeral will be held Saturday morning at 10 a.m. from the Bellows -Falso Funeral Chapel 160 River Road, Lincoln.