Frank J. Plonka, Jr., New Castle, PA Obituary
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Frank J. Plonka, Jr., 66, of New Castle, died Monday morning, Jan. 31, 2022, at Heritage Valley Health System, Beaver, Pa.
Mr. Plonka was born on February 26, 1955 in New Castle, the son of Frank “PeeWee” and Margaret “Greta” (Logue) Plonka.
After attending the former St. Mary’s Parish Primary School, he graduated from New Castle High School in 1973. He also received a degree in electrical engineering from Youngstown State University.
A proud veteran, Frank served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam era and was also a member of the Marine Corps League, New Castle Detachment 788. He also served as Regional Director of the Marine Corps. Annual Toys for Tots campaign.
For 40 years he was employed by Bruce and Merrilees Electric, Inc., New Castle, retiring as a project manager in 2018.
Frank was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, New Castle, where he served on the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Finance Committee and Episcopal Committee. He was also an adult altar server and led the Stations of the Cross service during the Easter season. He was formerly a member of Madonna Church and St. Mary’s Church, both also in New Castle.
His wife of 30 years, the former Joyce Griffin, whom he married on August 29, 1992, survives at her home in Union Township.
A 32n/a A Scottish Rite Free and Accepted Mason graduate, Frank was a member of Hebron Masonic Lodge 575 and Past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star 180, both Mercer.
In addition to his wife, Frank is survived by a sister, Mary Plonka (Duane Burtner), of Butler.
Frank was predeceased by his parents and a younger sister.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Lawrence County Toys for Tots, online at https://new-castle-pa.toysfortots.org/local; or Trinity Episcopal Church, 212 N. Mill St., New Castle.
Calling hours will be 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St, New Castle; and 10 a.m. until Thursday from service time at Trinity Episcopal Church.
The funeral service will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m., at the church, with Pastor Erin Betz-Shank officiating.
Entombment: Trinity Episcopal Columbarium, New Castle.
All military honors will be rendered by the New Castle Area Honor Guard.