John Nicholas Prokopchak of Potomac, Md., passed away Monday, Sept. 27, 2021.

John was born in Lyndora where, at Butler High School, he was a standout athlete in basketball, baseball, and track. He attended Geneva College where he played baseball and basketball. John then signed to play professional baseball with the Cincinnati Reds organization. John’s accomplishments as an athlete resulted in being inducted into the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame in 1987.

His baseball career was interrupted to serve his country during the Korean War.

After playing baseball, John returned to Butler where he met his bride, Dolores, and became involved in the insurance industry. Insurance brought John to Potomac, where his career transitioned to the financial services industry. John became a partner with Capital Financial Group and worked there until his retirement at age 84.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, the American Legion, Elks Club, and the American Numismatic Association.

He enjoyed golf, baseball, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He treasured spending time at his son Dave’s house, as well as watching his granddaughter Nicole compete on the equestrian circuit.

He will be remembered for his positive outlook, his tenacious competitiveness, and the way he treated all people with unconditional respect. All who knew John Prokopchak became a better person through his friendship.

John was the beloved husband of the late Dolores Prokopchak, with whom he shared 63 loving years together; the father of David J. (Gayle) Prokopchak of Dickerson, Md., and Gregory M. Prokopchak of Brookhaven, Ga.; and grandfather (Dedi) to his cherished granddaughter, Nicole Marie Prokopchak from Dickerson, Md. He is also survived by his brother, Steve, from New Castle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Mary (Hamalak) Prokopchak; his brothers, Michael and Nick; and his sisters, Anne Boulon, Julie Piszko, and Mary Fabian.

PROKOPCHAK — Visitation for John Nicholas Prokopchak, who died Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, is open to all from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday at Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd., West, Silver Spring, Md.

A private service for family will be held immediately after at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Our Lady of Mercy, on the check, please note “In Memory of John Prokopchak.”

Donations may be sent to Our Lady of Mercy, 9200 Kentsdale Drive, Potomac, Md., 20854.

Please visit www.butlereagle.com.

Please visit www.collinsfuneralhome.com.