Joseph Martin Prochaska

Joseph Martin Prochaska, born April 6, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan, and entered eternal life on February 12, 2010, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Preceded in death by son, John Martin Prochaska; grandson, Anthony Joseph Mary; parents, John and Rosalia Prochaska; and six brothers and sisters. Communicant at Sacred Heart Cathedral for the past 45 years. Professor Emeritus at the University of Tennessee, Graduate School of Planning; charter member of American Institute of Certified Planners; graduate of Michigan State University. Founding director of Scenic Tennessee; early proponent of the Greenway system in Knoxville; and founding member of the West Hills Community Association. He served his country during World War II in the U.S Navy, on the U.S.S. Katmai; in the Naval Reserve afterwards, and in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He lived his life for his family, his students, and his neighbors. He loved to work with his hands, and his home, his yard, and his neighborhood are an enduring legacy of his skills. Like his patron saint, he was a loving and nurturing father, accepting all children, opening his arms and his home to them. The Prochaska house was home to many beyond his own seven children. His sense of humor and his deep and abiding faith carried him and his family through the heartbreaks and the blessings of life. He used his cleverness and creativity in raising his children, and teaching hundreds more. The only thing to him that exceeded the joy of being a father was being a grandfather. His life is an example to all fathers; he always knew the right thing to do, and quietly did it. He will be remembered for his strength of character and strength of soul, for his devilish humor and his saintly courage, and for the way he loved his family and any who came to him in need. Survived by Mary, his wife of fifty-five years, children Maggie (John) MacDonald, Tina Prochaska, Joe (Catherine) Prochaska, Michael Prochaska, Rosemary (Tony) Mary, Laura (Don) Holecek, seventeen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Catholic Charities, 3009 Lake Brook Boulevard, Knoxville, Tennessee 37909.

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Joseph Martin Prochaska

April 6, 1928 - February 12, 2010