Attorney Joseph Procopio

1955 - 2025

Attorney Joseph Procopio
Harwinton - Attorney Joseph Procopio, aged 70, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025, at his home in Harwinton, Connecticut, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 8, 1955, in Isca sull'Ionio, Calabria, Italy, to the late Pasquale and Rosina (Scicchitano) Procopio.
Joseph graduated from Notre Dame High School in Fairfield, Connecticut, in 1973, and earned his bachelor's degree from Sacred Heart University in 1975, completing his studies in just two years. He then graduated from Temple University School of Law, graduating in 1978, and was admitted to the Connecticut State Bar in 1979. His career as a lawyer primarily focused on Waterbury and Wolcott, where he practiced until his retirement in 2010. His unwavering dedication to learning, coupled with his sharp analytical mind, shaped both his professional and personal life.
Joseph had a deep passion for movies and photography. He was known for capturing countless memories through home movies and meticulously crafted photo albums, filled with images from vacations and family gatherings. His love for film went beyond the lens-he possessed an uncanny ability to do spot-on impressions of others, often bringing laughter to those around him. He also enjoyed reading Consumer Reports, staying well-informed about the latest products and innovations, and especially enjoyed reading educational books. He was an avid Wall Street journal reader and had a passion for investing. Additionally, Joseph had a love for travel, particularly road trips. He would spend countless hours researching the perfect vacation spots, resorts, and activities to ensure that every trip was a memorable experience.
Joseph is survived by his devoted wife, Joanne (Bonola-Ligas) Procopio of Harwinton; his daughter, Sara Whitley (James) of Kissimmee, FL; his stepdaughters, Jessica Ligas Hess (Jeffrey) of Willow Grove, PA, and Melissa Ligas Hurley (Stephen) of Torrington, CT; and his grandchildren, Nathan and Sarah Hess, and Olivia, Eric, and Angelina Hurley. He is also survived by his brothers, Samuel Procopio (Anna) of Derby, CT, and Vincent Procopio (Olga) of Leesburg, FL, sisters-in-law Linda Gianoli (Dennis), Judy Bielomyza, Nancy Barwikowski (Gary), and brother-in-law Joseph Bonola (Kristen), as well as a special niece, Amanda Forish, and several nieces and nephews plus many cousins who will remember him fondly.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Pasquale and Rosina Procopio; his sisters, Titina Procopio of Italy and Mary Forish and his brother, Ralph Procopio of Bridgeport, CT.
The family would like to thank Charlotte Hungerford Hospital ER, ICU, and the 5th floor, with special thanks to his nurses Maddie, Mooreblessings, and his PCT Randall. We are grateful to Hartford Hospital Homecare hospice coordinators Jenn and Tara and his nurses Jess and Iris. Special recognition to Adrienne Guliano, for assuring smooth transition to home.
Joseph's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 79 Litchfield Road, Harwinton, CT. A private burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, New Britain, CT, at a later date. Visitation hours will be Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Thurston-Rowe Funeral Home, 283 Torrington Road, Litchfield, CT.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice Program, 680 Main St., Suite 300, Watertown CT 06795 or Connecticut Legal Rights Project, PO Box 351, Silver St., Middletown, CT 06757, in Joseph's name.
Kindly visit www.thurstonrowefuneralhome.com to send the family an online condolence.