Peter Proch

YOUNGSTOWN - Peter Proch, 90, passed away Tuesday morning, Dec. 12, 2017, at Hospice House, following a long and active life.

Peter was born Nov. 11, 1927, in Youngstown, a son of the late Andrew and Josephine Seka Proch, and was a lifelong area resident.

He was a graduate of Chaney High School, and subsequently received professional education through the American Institute of Banking.

Pete was the happiest when he was working. His first job was at 12 years old as a student janitor at Stambaugh School and his last job was at the age of 89 as a volunteer in the kitchen at the Austintown Senior Center. In between, he was a Seabee in the U.S. Navy during World War II, the manager at Youngstown Boat Supply, a branch manager at Mahoning National Bank, and a branch auditor with Serex Corp. The most important job he had was as the loving caregiver for his wife during her lengthy illness.

Mr. Proch was a member and past-president of the West Side Merchants & Civic Association, and was a member of the Steel Valley Harmonica Club. He was also a member of the Austintown Senior Center and of the American Legion in Columbiana.

Pete’s wife of nearly 65 years, Lillian M. Moore Proch, whom he married July 16, 1948, passed away June 25, 2013.

Mr. Proch leaves his son, Peter David (Karen) Proch of Beaver Township; his daughter, Cheryl (James) Krouse of Hebron; two grandchildren, Laura (Chad) Pirtle of Lake Milton and Lt. Clayton Proch, serving with the U.S. Air Force; and a great-granddaughter, Sarah.

Besides his wife, a brother Richard Proch, and three sisters, Anne Barnett, Mary Bagin, and Helene Senediak, are deceased.

Family and friends may call from 11 a.m to 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown, where a memorial service will follow at 1 p.m.

In September, 2014, Pete was selected to go on Honor Flight; a free, chaperoned trip to Washington, D.C. for war veterans. He was overwhelmed with the honors bestowed on the veterans, and declared that it was one of the best days of his life. If you would like to make a gift in Pete’s memory, he would be pleased if you choose Honor Flight instead of flowers. Donations can be mailed to Honor Flight, Inc. Attn: Diane Gresse, 175 South Tuttle Road, Springfield, OH 45505. If you prefer, you can make an online donation at honorflight.org