By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

John Wesley Pragar was a World War II Navy veteran who came from a family that served the city of Cincinnati in various capacities.

Mr. Pragar was a 20-year member of the Cincinnati Fire Department. Two of his brothers, David of West Chester and Leonard of New Trenton, Ind., were also firemen. Another brother, James of Westwood, was a Cincinnati policeman, and a fifth brother, the late Thomas of Westwood, was a superintendent for Cincinnati's Department of Weights and Measures. Their sister, Jacqueline Smith of Green Township, was a head nurse at Bethesda Hospital.

Mr. Pragar died Wednesday at Mercy Franciscan Mount Airy. The White Oak resident was 77.

The Pragar family grew up in the Mohawk area of Cincinnati. The names of Mr. Pragar and his brother, James, are included on the WWII memorial at Ravine and McMicken.

Growing up, the siblings enjoyed helping their grandparents on their farm in Mack. Another favorite activity was buying triple-dip ice cream cones for a nickel each at the Lindner shop in Mohawk.

The Pragar children attended Hughes High, but when Mr. Pragar turned 17, he joined the Navy. He belatedly received his diploma from Sycamore High School in 2003.

In the Navy, he was stationed in the North Atlantic on a destroyer that escorted cargo ships. He was later transferred to the Pacific Theater. He was discharged in 1946.

In 1947, he married his childhood friend, Dorothy Gardner, also of Mohawk.

He joined the Fire Department in 1950, serving first as a firefighter on Engine Co. 1 and later as a truck operator. He retired as a lieutenant in 1970 with a heart disability.

His brother, James, recalled how his brother loved to do magic tricks for the kids.

"He was the best grandpa," said one of his grandsons, John P. Pragar, Westwood. "He took me camping and taught me how to fish. His honesty, virtue, honor and morality made him the richest man I've known."

He was also proud of his memberships in the VFW Gailey Post 7340 and Amvets, said James Pragar.

"He was a great brother," said Pragar. "And I'm proud of him for volunteering to join the Navy in World War II and as a lieutenant in the fire department."

Mr. Pragar also enjoyed boating and fishing in the lakes near a second home he owned in Sebring, Fla.

In addition to his brothers and sister, survivors include his wife of 57 years, Dorothy J.; a son, John C.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services have been held. Memorials: American Cancer Society, 11117 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242 or the American Heart Association, 2936 Vernon Place, Cincinnati, OH 45219.

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E-mail kandrew@enquirer.com