Obituary of William Michael Pruzensky

William Michael Pruzensky of Great Falls, Virginia passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at the age of 84 at his home.  Born on April 30, 1936 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late John Emory Pruzensky and the late Mary Jane Pruzensky nee Kochis.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Jane Becker, his son Richard John, and his daughter Bridget Sarah Wallis.  

He attended Pittsburgh University for  his undergraduate degree and then American University, School of International Studies,  (Latin American Studies emphasis on anthropology and economics) for his M.I.S. and Ph.D.  He also attended Mexico City College now the University of the Americas.

William Pruzensky worked overseas and in New York for Catholic Relief Services for 20 years.  His overseas posts included Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, The Dominican Republic, Kenya and Geneva, Switzerland.  On leaving CRS he founded The International Partnership for Human Development in Virginia to work in humanitarian relief and development in Mexico, Romania, Moldova, Congo Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea and Republic of Guinea.  He was also a consultant to various government agencies.  He worked up until his death.

William Pruzensky was a member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Potomac Falls, Virginia .  He was also a Knight of Malta and a member of the Legion of Mary.  He served for a number of years as a member and Secretary of the Community Services Board, Loudoun County, Virginia. He liked to travel and had a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts.  He also enjoyed fishing in the Outer Banks with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan, his sister Shirley,  his two sons Michael and David, and 10 grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from  5:00 pm until 7:00 pm  on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Adams Green Funeral Home in Herndon, Virginia.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Potomac Falls, Virginia at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.  Burial will follow at Chestnut Grove Cemetery, Herndon, Virginia.