Joseph Anthony Proli MD

Dr. Proli grew up in Manhattan, New York as an only child of Edward and Mary Proli. He loved New York City, and he had fond memories and many good friends. He was a standout athlete in both football and track. He won multiple state championships in track and earned a football scholarship to Rutgers before suffering a career ending neck injury. However, it was during the healing process from his injury that he found his real passion. He set his sights on becoming a cardiologist. He attended Rutgers University followed by medical school at the University of New Mexico. He then completed an internship and residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center with New York Medical College. From 1989-1990, he served as the Chief Medical Resident at St. Vincent’s. From 1990-1993, he served a General Cardiology Fellowship with Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Proli was then the first cardiology fellow at Tulane University. Following the completion of his cardiology fellowship he began his career at Forrest General Hospital. In June of 1996, he joined the Heart Care Center in Laurel. He had a wonderful practice in Laurel spanning over twenty-five years. He touched the lives of so many patients, patient’s families, employees, coworkers and others. He was fiercely loyal and loved to take up for the sick. He had quite the compassionate heart for the needy, the poor, the oppressed, the overlooked and the seemingly forgotten. He was a true Good Samaritan servant that never overlooked anyone. He was an advocate for those who didn’t feel they had a voice. His generous heart found him giving donations to many charities, paying for funerals, giving to athletic clubs for the underprivileged and many others; all privately in an effort to preserve the dignity of others. He stood at the bedside through the night of so many as their life hung in the balance. Often times, his need to help others took him out of the “scope” of his practice of cardiology, but this endeared him to so many. He also loved to teach and share his wisdom with anyone that was willing to listen. Medical students, many nurses, lots of employees and others benefited from his patience and willingness to teach. He fell in love with Laurel and Jones County and found it an honor to call this place home. He enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, fishing, and gardening. He had quite a passion for art and cars and enjoyed collecting both. Since his retirement, he found a love for music and taught himself to play guitar, drums and other instruments. He enjoyed traveling the back roads and visiting small towns, but with Italy being his favorite. Dr. Proli was also an avid supporter of the Laurel Little Theatre and the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. He took great pride in the work of these two entities and his ability to support them in whatever ways he could. This includes the donation of art and monetary support for each. The most important aspect in Dr. Proli’s life was a new found and constant growing faith in Jesus Christ. He professed his relationship with Jesus and made it a constant priority to grow closer to Him each and every day. He loved to read faith-filled books and have indepth conversations about spiritual matters. He had a great desire that his family and friends have the same relationship with Jesus that he had. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Proli. He is survived by his daughter, Olivia Coco Proli. Pall bearers will be Ken Johnson, Scott Parker, Kim Stewart, Brad Newell, Ronnie Tynes, Jonathan Clark and Adam Clark. Friends are asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Choices Clinic of Laurel. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Joseph Anthony Proli MD

February 23, 1956 - September 9, 2024