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SHENANGO TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Joseph H. Proch, 92, of Shenango Township, Lawrence County, Pa., passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at UPMC Jameson Hospital.
Born on Jan. 16, 1934, in New Castle, Pa., he was the son of the late Michael and Mary Chekas Proch.
Joseph was a 1952 graduate of Shenango High School and member of the former Third United Presbyterian Church, where he served as both elder and deacon.
Mr. Proch was a partner and owner of Book and Proch Well Drilling of New Castle, a family business operated with former partner Clifford P. Book until 1972, and until Joseph's retirement in 2000. In 1987, Mr. Proch achieved the honor of becoming the first master water well contractor in Pennsylvania, the 14th in the nation.
Joseph was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed the outdoors and spent every possible moment with his family. He was particularly happy during weekend getaways at the family cabin in Tionesta with family and friends.
He was a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Freemasons and a past board member of the Cathedral Foundation.
For the past 10 years, Joseph lived at Shenango on the Green in New Wilmington, Pa., and was often seen walking the sidewalks and neighborhoods of his new-found home. He became a familiar face in the village and developed many warm friendships there.
Joseph is survived by his sons, Jeff (Margie) of Canfield, Ohio, and Nathan Proch of Los Angeles; and his grandchildren, Jon (Angela) of Brecksville, Ohio, and Katie Proch of Washington, D.C.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Book Proch; as well as his 10 brothers and sisters, Katherine (Pete) Yarema, Michael (Connie), Mary (Clarence) Russell, Leo (Kathaleen), Olga (Alex) Herman, Walter (Jean), Eleanor "Irene" (Melvin) Miller, Helen (child), William (Bonnie) and John (infant).
Visitation will be 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home, 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.
A memorial service will be conducted at 6 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jordan Rimmer officiating.
A private burial will take place in Oak Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the City Rescue Mission; the Cathedral Foundation; or Shenango Presbyterian Senior Care of New Wilmington.
Online condolences can be left and viewed by visiting www.cunninghamfh.com.
(special notice)