Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
6/25/1941
DIED
6/4/2025
FUNERAL HOME
John Prokop Obituary
He graduated from New London High School, where he was active in track and field and played the alto saxophone. He married the love of his life, Margaret "Maggi" DeLaura, and they raised their family on Lovers Lane in East Lyme.
For 47 years, he worked for General Dynamics Electric Boat Division as an acoustic trial engineer, assigned to Trident and 688 fast attack classes of nuclear submarines, playing a role in every submarine that Electric Boat delivered to the U.S. Navy from 1962 through 2009.
He was a Flanders Fire Department volunteer and a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. He was happiest in his kitchen or at the grill, preparing large family meals while listening to Yankees games or polka music on the radio. The door was always open and there was always a seat at the table for his many friends who would stop by for a visit.
He is survived by his wife, Maggi; children: John (Maddie) Prokop of Norwich, Lori Langworthy (Jeff) of Colchester, Joe (Heidi) Prokop of Salt Lake City, Utah, Lisa Atkinson of Uncasville, and Jeff (Allison) Prokop of New Britain; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ida; and sister Sandra Meijer.
Special thanks to the staff at Bride Brook Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their care.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, in Niantic. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 12, at St. Matthias Church, Chesterfield Road, East Lyme, and entombment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in New London. In honor of John, enjoy a cold beer, fix up a pot of chowder and cheer for the Bronx Bombers. Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave the family an online condolence.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Prokop
Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home.
Pat Whitaker
August 10, 2025
Maggie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing.
Thinking of you all.
Joseph Trask
June 18, 2025
Maggie and family, our condolences on John's passing. John was a beautiful person that always brought a smile to our face.
Greg Lutzen
June 12, 2025
Maggie. So saddened to hear of John´s passing. It has been a while since I´ve seen you but I still picture that mischievous twinkle he always had in his eyes. May he rest in peace.
Tom Berry
June 12, 2025
To the Prokop Family:
Please accept my deepest condolences on John´s passing. I had the privilege of working alongside him in the Acoustic Trials group at Electric Boat where John was already a respected veteran when I joined the group. He generously mentored me and shared his expertise. John´s kind demeanor, guidance, and ability to connect with everyone left a lasting impression on me and so many others. His legacy of kindness and camaraderie will always be remembered. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Kim Crawford Brackett
June 10, 2025
Maggi, John,Lori, Joey, Lisa, Jeff, I am so sorry for your family´s loss. John has and always will be a memory of my life in the neighborhood, it hasn´t been the same going up the street and not seeing him sitting outside. Thinking of you all
bob wanat
June 10, 2025
maggie and family so sorry john rip
Michelle Racicot
June 8, 2025
Dear Maggie, Accept sincere sympathies to you and your family upon the loss of John. May you find comfort in the memories you created together over the years.
Jeannine Sicard
June 8, 2025
Dear Maggie and family: although it has been many years since I left Niantic, I vividly remember you and your wonderful husband. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Nancy J Prochorena
June 8, 2025
Maggie and family so sorry to read of John's passing. Prayers to the family
The Christensen Family, East Lyme, CT.
June 8, 2025
John lived a good life. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nancy Kwasniewski
June 8, 2025
Maggie,Lisa, so sorry for your loss.
Judy Libera
June 8, 2025
Paul and I are so sorry for your loss. He does, however, leave behind so many happy memories. Going to all the Polkabrations, barbeques, Flanders Fire House picnics and get togethers. We enjoyed watching our children grow with their family. He and Maggie always had and open door policy (it was the cellar door). We will truly miss him. Love to all, Paul and Judy
Bob Janovic
June 8, 2025
Sorry to read that John has passed away. My condolences to the Prokop family
Terry and Bill Thibodeau
June 7, 2025
Maggie, so sorry for your loss.
Bill Dwyer Jr
June 6, 2025
Maggie & family our prayers are with you. John enjoyed life and we enjoyed our friendship over the years.
Janis Cabral
June 6, 2025
Sorry for your loss, Lisa
John Gerwatosky
June 6, 2025
A geat guy and school mate, John Gerwatosky, class of 59"
Dave Fairman
June 6, 2025
Rest in Peace
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in John Prokop's name
Memorial Events
for John Prokop
Jun
11
Funeral services provided by:
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Prokop's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
