Albert Procopio, Sr. - Obituary

fter 82 years of devotion to his family and countless friends, Albert "Al" Procopio, Sr., of Edgewater, Maryland, passed away on December 29, 2020, in Annapolis, Maryland, from complications of COVID-19. He will be remembered for his eternal love for Rose, his devoted wife of over 60 years, six children, seventeen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Everyone admired Al's wit, selfless generosity, and the love and importance Al always held in his heart, and by his acts, to protect and provide for his family. In 1920, Al's parents, Giuseppe Francesco Procopio and Maria Rosaria Romano, immigrated from Italy to Ellis Island. The family located in Niagara Falls, New York, where Al's father pursued his trade as a stone mason, working endless hours to create a new life for his family in America. Later the Procopio's relocated to Philadelphia, where Al was born on February 2, 1938, the youngest of eight children. In pursuit of the American Dream, Al's family eventually made their final home in the Washington, DC area. Already armed with what would become his phenomenal sense of "street smarts," Al left school in the 10th grade to begin work to help his family. He went to work with his older brother (and best friend) Hugo as a bricklayer at the young age of 15. In April 1960, Al met the love of his life, Rose Marian DiMarco. His "love at first sight" for Rose was so heartfelt, and he knew the moment he saw her, he had found his bride-to-be. Certain of his love, Al proposed to Rose the very night they met. Two weeks later, Rose accepted Al's proposal. With his perseverance, four months later, on August 20, 1960, they married in her hometown on Long Island, New York. Al pursued multiple entrepreneurial endeavors throughout his lifetime. His talent and understanding of the construction industry led him to become a home builder. In 1960, Al, his brother, Hugo, and brother-in-law, Sonny, began operating under Procopio and DeCesaris Construction Company, Inc. In 1963, Al's passion for fast cars led him into the drag racing business. The trio built and operated Cecil County Drag-O-Way and operated Capitol Raceway. In the 1970's, they built what would become the hottest nightclub in the Washington, DC area, the Classic III Supper Club in Camp Springs, Maryland, booking acts such as Ray Charles, Gloria Gaynor, the Four Tops, the Temptations, and many more. In 1973, Al and Hugo, formed H & A Construction Company, Inc. and continued his lifelong homebuilding career. In 1988, with his youngest son Al, Jr., Pro Development Group and Procopio Family Homes were established. While Al successfully built residential and commercial properties, his greatest satisfaction came from identifying and negotiating land deals. Al's family was clearly the most important part of his life. There was no task or challenge, big or small, that Al would not rise to if it were for his family. He relished Sunday dinners, traveling, cooking, and gardening. Al was a fantastic storyteller who loved to share his true tales, life experiences, knowledge, and family traditions with his children and grandchildren. He also was passionate about playing golf, the thrill of casinos, playing cards, dining out, watching old cowboy movies, sports, and monitoring the news (during which he would always provide colorful and insightful commentary). Later in life, Al enjoyed the winter months at his Florida home with Rose, playing golf and spending time with his wife, family, and friends. One of Al's most memorable moments was playing golf at the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club. Another favorite trip was traveling to Italy and visiting the towns from which his parents and Rose's parents had immigrated. He also fulfilled a longtime dream by attending a Formula 1 auto race in Monza, Italy with his two sons. Al is survived by his beloved wife, Rose; his children, Rose Procopio Barondess (Mark), Anne Procopio-Scott, Joseph A. Procopio, Sr. (Julie), Juliet Casey (Thomas), Lisa Procopio Bell, and Albert Procopio, Jr. (Tiffany); his grandchildren, George, Priscilla, Josh, Samantha, Albert, Alex, Brendan, Melissa, Rachael, Joseph Jr., Joseph III, Bella, Alexis, Zachary, Jake, Domenic, and Marcello; great-grandchildren, Ella, Layne, and Jonathan; and his sister, Carmela Arcuri. Out of concern for the safety of all because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a private Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with immediate family only. The Mass will be live-streamed on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 12:15 p.m. via the Holy Family Catholic Church website by clicking HERE The family extends their heartfelt thanks for all the love and support during this difficult time. You are all loved and appreciated. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 (www.heart.org) or the Alzheimer's Association, 1850 York Road, Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093 (www.alz.org). A Celebration of Al's life will be held at a later date when COVID-19 restrictions allow. The family invites you to share remembrances using the Memory Wall tab above.