Gerald Raymond Pronko (Jerry) (68) passed away peacefully with his devoted wife at his side on Friday, July 25 at Allied Hospice in Scranton, following a courageous three-year battle with DLBCL Lymphoma.
A lifelong resident of Clarks Summit, Jerry was the cherished son of the late Helen (Rublowsky) and Jerry Pronko. A gifted musician, he was a 1975 graduate of Abington Heights High School, where his love of music grew as a member of the marching band, and as a member of the widely respected community orchestra, the Crystal Band. In 1979, Jerry graduated from the Pennsylvania State University main campus, where he played clarinet in the “Blue Band”. After graduation, he became a member of the Alumni Blue Band and was elected to serve a number of terms as a member of its Board of Directors.
After retiring from his position as Purchasing Agent for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Jerry continued as a clarinetist with the Crystal Band, for which he played a total of 52 years and served several terms as orchestra President, and also contributed his musical talent to other local groups. He was a very active member of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox church in Scranton, serving on the Board as Treasurer. An avid Penn State fan, Jerry attended many football games and other sporting events to cheer for his beloved Nittany Lions and also enjoyed watching and attending Philadelphia Phillies games.
Jerry is survived by his lifelong partner and adored wife of 42 years, Judy (Galenas) Pronko, who accompanied him every step of the way on his difficult cancer journey. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Andrea (Galenas) Davey and Mary Beth Galenas, three nieces, five great nieces and nephews, various cousins, and close friends Peter Friedmann and Bill Buckley, who Jerry considered family. Special appreciation is extended to Dr. Ariela Noy, Jerry’s hematologist/oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, and to the doctors and staff there; to Judy’s cousin Linda, of New York City, who was so supportive these last three years; and to Dr. Martin Moran and the staff at Allied Hospice Center.
In lieu of flowers, please send in Jerry’s name, memorial checks to; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Attn. Killeen Marzella, Office of Development, PO Box 27106, New York, NY 10087 http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/GerryPronko, or to the Penn State Blue Band https://raise.psu.edu/GeraldPronko
A Funeral Service for Jerry will be held on Friday at 10 am at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 540 North Main Avenue, Scranton, PA 18504, by the Rev. Fr. Philip Haendza officiating. Interment will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery Mausoleum, Moscow. Friends attending the church service are kindly asked to go directly to the church.
Viewing for family and friends will be on Thursday, 4 to 8 pm, with a Parastas Service beginning at 7:30 pm in the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton.
