Longtime San Joaquin County community leader Andy Prokop was often known simply as “AP.”
But it wasn’t just a reference to his initials. It was the acronym for his favorite saying: “Always positive.”
Prokop, who died Jan. 11 at age 77, spent a decade as a foster child and was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. He went on to become a respected business leader and spent two decades as CEO of the United Way of San Joaquin County.
“Andy was an amazing human being and leader. His kindness, coupled with his tenacity to build a better United Way and a better community, was always at the forefront of what he did,” said Kristen Birtwhistle, who succeeded him as United Way’s CEO. “He led by example, and we will forever be grateful for what he gave to us, individually and to communities around San Joaquin County.”
To Doug Wilhoit, a friend for decades and former CEO of the Stockton Chamber of Commerce, “AP” was a hero in more ways than one.
“Always positive — that’s who he was. He cared so much about this community,” Wilhoit said. “Andy was a hero to his country and a hero for his community.”
Prokop spoke often about his upbringing. He was in and out of nine foster homes in a 10-year period. He joined the U.S. Army and served as a door gunner in a Huey helicopter during Vietnam, and he would be involved in veterans affairs for the rest of his life.
He later managed several Carl’s Jr. restaurants in the area and became known for handing out chocolate chip cookies on a whim. The habit is how he met Wilhoit.
At the time, Wilhoit had been playing Santa Claus at local charity events and stopped — in costume — at one of Prokop’s restaurants to grab a burger. When he went up to the counter, Prokop smiled and said, “Hi Santa. Want a cookie?”
“That’s how we met,” Wilhoit recalled. “And we were friends ever since.”
Before his 20-year stint as head of the United Way, Prokop served as executive director of the Child Abuse Prevention Council and was a founder of the Mary Graham Children’s Foundation.
He spent many years as head of “Asparagus Alley” at the annual Asparagus Festival and was a devoted fan of University of the Pacific athletics.
Prokop was named Stocktonian of the Year in 2012 and retired from the United Way in 2019.
Even as busy as he was, he still took time to help up-and-coming entrepreneurs. When local promoter Mike Millerick came up with the idea to hold a pop culture convention in town, named “StocktonCon,” Millerick asked for Prokop’s help and support. This summer, StocktonCon will celebrate its 13th year, and Millerick has added a winter edition, which takes place Feb. 15-16.
“When I went to Andy, he just said, ‘Absolutely,’ ” Millerick said. “He encouraged so many people to succeed. AP — always positive.”
Prokop is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol, two children and several grandchildren.
The family requests that cards and condolences be sent to United Way of San Joaquin County, 777 N. Pershing Ave. Suite 2B, Stockton, 95203. A donation in Prokop’s name can be made to United Way of San Joaquin County, where it will be directed to a local veterans support agency or the nonprofit of the giver’s choice.