Judith Procopio
July 01, 1954 - August 03, 2023
Visitation: Tuesday 6-8 PM and Wednesday 2-4 & 6-8 PM at DEVLIN funeral home, 806 Perry Hwy
Service: Blessing Service Thursday 11 AM at the funeral home
Judith (Cholewski) Procopio, 69, of Wexford, PA passed away on August 3rd, 2023. Daughter to the late Bernard and Ruthie Cholewski; wife of 31 years to Samuel Procopio. She is survived by her sister, Donna Hemmila, brothers-in-law Anthony (Annamarie) and Michael (Joan) Procopio, sister-in-law Renee Procopio, nephews Soren (Linda) Hemmila, Christopher, Michael and Matthew Procopio; nieces Maria (Marc) McCormack, Julia and Nina Procopio, and great-nieces and -nephews Eliana, Siena, Sophia and Alexander.
Judy grew up in Garfield, attending Immaculate Conception Grade School and the all-girls Holy Ghost High School. She graduated from Robert Morris College and earned a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
For a time, she worked alongside her mother, Ruth Cholewski, at Ruthie’s Restaurant in Sharpsburg.
After several years working in various private medical practices, she found her true calling when she dedicated her career to improving the delivery of healthcare to patients, especially within the surgical disciplines. She started at UPMC in June of 2006 as a Division Administrator for Plastic Surgery. In 2010 she moved to the position of Division Administrator of Surgical Oncology, a post that she continued to hold even as she ascended to lead the department. In 2017 she was promoted to Executive Administrator for the Department of Surgery and in 2020 added the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery to her administrative responsibilities. She loved her job and was the consummate professional.
Aside from her work, Judy enjoyed biking and dancing, though she only truly excelled at the latter. She loved playing with and caring for her cats and liked to relax by watching cooking shows of all sorts. She was famous for her own chocolate chip cookies.
Friends will be received Tuesday from 6-8 PM and again on Wednesday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy. Blessing service on Thursday at 11 AM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hillman Cancer Center at https://hillman.upmc.com/difference/supporting/make-a-gift/how-to-donate
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I am so thankful to have known and worked with Judy. She was a true leader in every way. Patient care is better for her dedication and vision for Department of Surgery. And that would be Judy to work until the very end. Judy was a warrior. She was a role model and true professional for all of us to exemplify. I am so pleased she received the best in Cancer treatment from her beloved UPMC. RIP Judy, gentle giant.
I am so sorry to hear this Sam. Sue and my thoughts and prayers go out to you, family and friends of Judy. May she rest in peace.
Truly sorry to hear this. Sam has Elly and my deepest sympathies and prayers. We are here if you need us.
Sorry for your loss. You and your family have my deepest condolences.
I am sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathies
Sam,
So sorry for your loss. Judy taught me so much, I had no idea she was sick! God bless her, and hope you can find peace, she’s not suffering anymore . Take care and hope you find your place to fulfill your life, take care.
Blessings,
Celeste (Schafer) Duprey