Obituary of Richard Adam Prochaska

Richard Prochaska, age 89, passed away on February 21, 2026 at his home in Vineland, NJ surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was born March 18, 1936 to James and Hattie (Janowski) in Abington, PA. Richard will be remembered for his dedication to public education and the Vineland public school system, his faith in God and compassion for others, and his devotion and love for his family. His public school service started as an elementary vocal music educator in Hammonton, NJ. After moving to Vineland, NJ in 1959, he continued in elementary vocal and instrumental music education for 12 years until being named the Principal of Max Leuchter Elementary School in 1971. Richard subsequently served as Principal of Reber, Johnstone, West Landis and Mennies elementary schools prior to his assignment as Assistant Superintendent for Education K-12 in 1985. His 35-year career culminated in his appointment in 1988 as Superintendent of Vineland Public Schools until his retirement in 1993. Richard believed in the potential of Vineland's children and the virtue of a public school education. Richard was a life-long learner. He graduated from West Chester State Teacher's College (now West Chester University) in 1957 with a Bachelor Degree in Music, Temple University in 1961 with a Master's Degree in Music Education and University of Pennsylvania in 1985 with a Doctorate in Education Administration. Along the way he took courses at Glassboro State Teacher's College (now Rowan University) in school administration. He facilitated the learning of others by founding the first Vineland Elementary School Band and serving in several impactful roles, including Music Supervisor of the New Jersey State Migrant Summer Program, ESL instructor in the Adult Evening School, Director of the Grades 1–6 Summer Enrichment Program, and summer Director of YMCA Summer Camp Programs. Richard attended Saint Isadore Church on a continuing basis for over 50 years. He was a faithful believer and demonstrated his faith in his community service. Throughout the years, he was a member of Jaycees, Rotary International, Vineland Public Library Board of Trustees and Board of Vineland Red Cross. He was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in recognition of his commitment to "service above self". Richard also volunteered in support of his daughter's activities, including Girl Scouts, marching band, and various school and church events. Richard was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Within this family he was known for his perseverance, joking manner, dedication to excellence and constant unwavering support along with practical and thoughtful advice. He had a unique gift for asking insightful questions that helped you discover your own best answers. He deeply loved and respected his "college sweetheart," Joyce, his devoted wife of 68 years. He was fiercely proud of his two daughters and held a special place in his heart for his two grandchildren. His favorite times with family included traveling throughout the United States and Europe with his wife Joyce, celebrating holidays in Virginia and spending time in the summer in Ocean City with his grandchildren. Richard always said what a blessed life he had lived. He was predeceased by his parents James and Hattie Prochaska, brother James Prochaska and sister-in-law Maryanne. He is survived by his loving wife Joyce of 68 years, daughter Anne Marie and son-in-law Paul Young (FL), daughter Barbara Prochaska (FL), grandson Michael Young and wife Chelsea (FL) and granddaughter Ashley Young and husband Brian Lock (KY), sister-in-law Ann Nugent (NY), brothers-in-law Robert and Donald Page (PA) and several nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Spirit and Truth Ministries (website: vinelandsoupkitchen.org, address: PO Box 89, Vineland, NJ 08362) or American Red Cross (website: redcross.org, address: PO 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839) in keeping with Richard's wishes. A funeral home visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 1pm to 2pm followed by a memorial service at 2pm from Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland. Final disposition will be at the convenience of the family. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com