Joseph Proeller celebrates 100th birthday

Joseph R. Proeller celebrated his 100th birthday on March 4, 2013. He was born on March 4, 1913, to the late George and Anna Proeller.

The sixth of 13 children, he is the last surviving Proeller sibling. He attended Coughlin High School, where he played football and baseball for the school teams and was captain of the football team. During World War II, he was stationed at Fort Meade and later became part of the 41st Infantry Division out of the Pacific Northwest, which served in Australia and New Guinea. He was in the service for a total of 43 months. Following the war, he worked on the Pennsylvania Turnpike until his retirement in 1978.

He was married to the late Mary V. McGroarty for 39 years prior to her death in 1988.

They have two children, George J. Proeller of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Ellen Proeller Dennis, Larksville, Pa.

Joseph is the grandfather to five, Kate Nicoli, Jenny Proeller and Julie, Theo and Becca Dennis. His first great-grandchild, Lorenza L. Nicoli, was born on Jan. 27, 2013.

Joe is an active member of St. Nicholas Parish, Wilkes-Barre, in particular in the Holy Name Society. He recently served for St. Nick’s 48th annual German Night. He is a lifetime member of the Kingston VFW Post 283 and was Grand Marshall in many a Memorial Day Parade. In his early retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling to the 48 continental United States.

Joe celebrated the special occasion with a party held in his honor. He was so thrilled that many family members and friends were able to gather together for the celebration.