George Procko Jr.; 60; of Belle Vernon; died Wednesday; Aug. 28; 2002; at 8:22 a.m. in Mon Valley Hospital; Carroll Township. Born Sept. 26; 1941; in California; Pa.; he was the son of the late George Procko Sr.; who died in 1980; and Catherine Kelly Procko; who survives and resides in Stockdale. Mr. Procko Jr. was a resident of Belle Vernon for the past nine years and was a member of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church; Belle Vernon. He was a graduate of Charleroi High School; received his bachelor’s degree in English and master’s degree as a reading specialist from California University of Pennsylvania. George taught at Belle Vernon Area High School and retired after 28 years of service. While at Belle Vernon Area High School; he was active in many student activities; including the Rifle Club; Powder Puff Football; and the yearbook staff. He participated in labor contract negotiations with the school district. During retirement he taught several courses at the University of Kentucky and Lexington School District. He was an active member of his high school reunion committee throughout the years. At the time of his passing; he was actively involved in the tutoring and mentoring of a number of students in the local area. He will be sadly missed by his faithful companions; Frankie; Mr. Tom and Pepper. In addition to his many lifetime achievements; he was well loved; respected and cherished by his stepchildren; step grandchildren and all who knew him. His memory will live on with us always knowing he is at peace and not alone. In addition to his mother; he is survived by his wife; Lois D’Altorio Sauritch Procko of Belle Vernon; one sister and brother-in-law; Barbara Procko and Thomas Greenlee of Johnstown; one son; Scott Procko; six stepchildren; Scott Sauritch and wife Tina of Charleroi; Robert Sauritch of Pittsburgh; Brian Sauritch of Fayette City; Lisa Santori and husband Gary of Belle Vernon; Michael Sauritch of Belle Vernon; and Patrick Sauritch and wife Elsa of West Palm Beach; Fla.; eight step grandchildren; Tiffany and Jordan Sauritch; Caitlyn and Daniel Sauritch; Whitney Sauritch; Alexa and Garrett Santori; and Milonna Sauritch. Visitation will be held Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the LEONARD J. PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME; Family Owned and Operated; 626 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon. A prayer service will be held Saturday; Aug. 31; at noon in the funeral home; followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:30 p.m. in St. Sebastian R.C. Church. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Members of St. Sebastian Parish will pray the rosary for the departed soul of George Procko Jr. on Friday at 3:30 p.m. in the funeral home. The family suggests memorial contributions be made in memory of George Procko Jr. to the local Humane Society.