Pratt Chroniger

Pratt Johnstone “Jim” Chroniger, 91, of Shiloh passed away on Sunday evening July 11, 2021 at home.

Pratt, who was also known as Jim or Jimmy by those who knew him best, was born in Washington, DC to Alfred Greeves Chroniger and Elsie Mae Wormersely Chroniger on November 8, 1929.  He graduated from Bladensburg (MD) High School followed by a 4-year apprenticeship with the Joint Carpenters Apprentice Council in Washington, DC.  He married Rose Winifred Dean on June 9, 1948 in Fort Lincoln Cemetery Chapel in Brentwood, MD. Pratt and Rose moved into 6106 Cipriano Road in Lanham, MD in 1963 and lived there until 2017 when they moved to Shiloh to live with their son, Pastor Donald Chroniger, his wife Charlotte and their family,  He worked as a carpenter and shop supervisor for Lamar and Wallace Millwork and Fypon Molded Millwork for 28 consecutive years.

He was involved in the Washington Project to revitalize the Washington, DC Seventh Day Baptist Church and was a founding member of Central Seventh Day Baptist Church in Mitchellville, MD.  He served as deacon, Sabbath School teacher, youth group leader, and occasional preacher when needed.  He also served as a Scout Master for the Boy Scout Troop #289.

Pratt was a provider at heart.  He worked multiple jobs so that Rose could stay home and raise their three boys. Pratt and Rose loved each other fiercely as well as everyone that entered their home. They exemplified Romans 12:13 and 1 Corinthians 13:13 by taking in anyone in need; friends of their children, family and even little ones from the community. Pratt once wrote of their house:  “You have heard of wall-to-wall carpet, we had wall-to-wall people.”

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rose Winifred Dean, in 2018; his parents and siblings; Anne, Dorothy, Alfred, Jr. (Margaret McBride), Charles (Helen Ladamer), Elsie Jane (Charles Weiss) and William Thomas “Tommy” (Elizabeth Bradford).

Survivors include his three sons, Kenneth D. (Peggy), Donald L. (Charlotte), and Kevin L. (Brandi), 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Relatives and friends may call at the Freitag Funeral Home, 137 W. Commerce Street in Bridgeton on Monday evening July 19th from 6 until 8p.m.

An additional visitation will be held at Gasch’s Funeral  Home, P.A., 4739 Baltimore Avenue in Hyattsville, MD on Tuesday morning, July 20th from 10a.m. until 12 Noon followed by a 12 Noon funeral service.

The interment will take place at Ft. Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, MD.

Flowers are welcome at either visitation in Bridgeton or Hyattsville; however, donations may be made to the Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.