Michael Proko ’71

Mike died May 21, 2002, in an auto accident in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.  

Mike came to Princeton from Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester, Mass. He majored in geology, was a member of Cannon Club, and played varsity baseball and freshman football. Mike worked as a research assistant, manager of the Student Beer Mug Agency, and ticket salesman at sporting events, always enjoying being around sports. Friends remember he was a guy who would do anything for you, would make time for others, loved little jokes and pranks, did not take himself too seriously, but also had a serious commitment to do good in the world.  

He courted Penny at the University of Vermont before marrying her in 1970. Their two children were David (born in 1976) and Elizabeth (1981). Mike’s recommitment to his Christian faith in 1971 guided him the rest of his life. He and Penny moved to Florida, as he pursued a career in education. Mike was a baseball coach, science teacher, and academic dean at Westminster Academy in Florida for 30 years. 

Thoughts at our 25th: “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing.” - Galatians 2:21. “He is no fool, who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” - Jim Elliot. “If I could write anything on his tombstone, I would say he was a godly man. He was a man who loved Jesus with all his heart,” said LeRoy Schwab, the Westminster secondary school principal.  

The class extends belated condolences to his family and friends.