Obituary of Joseph M Plukas, Jr.

Plukas, M.D., Joseph M. Webster: Saturday, September 14, 2013, at the age of 85. Predeceased by his wife, Leonora; parents, Joseph and Grace; and brother, William. Dr. Plukas is survived by his wife, Georgette; children, Mark (Linda), Leigh Ann (Ted) Wagner, Susan (Steve) Besecker, Joan (Rex) Brodie, Richard (Lisa), and James (Denise); step-children, Christine (John) Missik and Paul (Carol) Cunha; grandchildren, Lauren, Timothy, Kevin, Rachel, Joseph, Carolyn, Alexandra, Jaclyn, Jessica, Catherine, Jamie, Amy, Erica, and Kristen; step-grandchildren, Leah, Justine, and Lucas; sisters, Evelyn (Francis) Preli and Elaine Shane; sister-in-law, Anna Plukas; and many nieces and nephews. Joe was a brilliant, compassionate, joyful man. Father of 6 children, he delivered thousands of children during his 35-year career as an Ob/Gyn at Rochester General Hospital. He was a skillful sailor, wood worker, landscaper, canoeist, wilderness camper, and fisherman. He was even better at engendering curiosity and a sense of trial and adventure in any endeavor as long as one was willing to spend the time and energy to do it properly. He also excelled at spreading inclusive joy and respect by sharing his home, table, time, and treasure with those around him. Throughout his battle with Alzheimer's, his essence remained. In the end, the sight of his wife, music and dancing, or a chance to help others in small ways were the things that brought him joy. His caregivers all called him the consummate gentleman. His family will receive friends Monday 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home (570 Kings Hwy South). Friends are invited to meet the family Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., at St. Kateri at St. Margaret Mary Church for his funeral mass. Interment will be held in private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to a charity of your choice.