Joseph Samuel Procopio had already lived through a world war, raised six children, built several careers and watched his family grow into four generations before reaching a milestone few people ever experience.
On July 14, the Burbank resident turned 100 years old.
Just days earlier, family members from across the country gathered at Johnson-Phelps VFW Post No. 5220 in Oak Lawn to celebrate the man whose life had become the heart of their family. Relatives traveled from New York, Denver and California, joining those closer to home to honor a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and World War II veteran whose century of life has been defined by hard work, quiet strength and unwavering devotion to the people he loves.
Born in downtown Chicago to Italian immigrant parents, Procopio spent his childhood in Burbank, a community he would eventually call home for nearly his entire life. He later raised his own family there, creating deep roots that stretched well beyond one generation.
His life took a dramatic turn during World War II.
Serving in the Air Force, Procopio flew overseas as a tail gunner, taking part in missions over France and Germany between 1944 and 1946. He also earned his pilot’s license, reflecting a lifelong fascination with aviation that remained one of his proud accomplishments.
When he returned home, there was little time to slow down.
Over the decades, Procopio became known as someone who never shied away from work. He delivered milk, worked as a foreman, served as a paramedic, spent time in the print production department at the Chicago Tribune and later drove school buses for Burbank’s school district. Of all the jobs he held, his children said driving the school bus was one he often talked about with a smile.
Retirement came much later than it does for most people. Procopio continued working until he was 87 years old.
Yet his family never measured his life by the jobs he held.
Instead, they remembered a father who always made time for them.
“My father was always there for our family,” his daughter, Loretta Jo, said. “He’s a good family man and was incredibly hardworking all of his life.”
That dedication showed in the family he built with his first wife, Celeste June Procopio. Married for 26 years before her death at age 58, they raised six children together: Regina Jo, who later died at age 60; Joseph Samuel Jr., Victor Joseph, Loretta Jo, Maria Jo and Dominic Joseph. Every one of their children carries Joseph’s name, a tribute that reflected the love and respect they had for their father.
Years later, Procopio found love again and married his current wife, Irene. Together they have watched the family continue to grow. Today, it includes more than 60 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each representing another branch on a family tree that began a century ago.
This July brought another reminder of how quickly time passes.
Just six days before Procopio celebrated his 100th birthday, his great-grandson, Luca Reed, celebrated his first.
“It’s amazing that we have a family member turning one during the same month another is turning 100,” Loretta Jo said.
The two birthdays seemed to capture the story of the Procopio family in a single moment. One life had just begun. Another had already witnessed a century of history.
During Saturday’s celebration, stories flowed as easily as the laughter. Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren listened as memories were shared about military service, years spent working to provide for a family and a man whose steady presence never wavered.
After 100 years, Procopio’s greatest accomplishment was not simply reaching a remarkable age. It was the family gathered around him, generations connected by the example he set through a lifetime of service, perseverance and love.
