Francis Michael PLAIA

4 OCT 1924 - 22 MAY 2013

• BIRTH: 4 OCT 1924, South Bend, IN
• DEATH: 22 MAY 2013, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: 19 JUN 1948, St Joseph County, IN

1.  Steve PLAIA
2.  Chris PLAIA
3.  Paul PLAIA
4.  Mark PLAIA
5.  Patrick PLAIA

INDEX

[N6057] Francis Michael Plaia
Oct. 4, 1924 - May 22, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Francis Michael Plaia, 88, died May 22, 2013, at Sanctuary at St. Paul's where he had been a resident for the past four years. Frank was born October 4, 1924, in South Bend, to Peter and Anna (Guagenti) Plaia. He was a WW II Naval veteran, serving in the Pacific. He was a longtime member of St. Matthew's Cathedral and later a member of St. Pius X. Frank spent his life serving the needs of the poor and the disadvantaged through his service with the St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Matthew, and later helping establish the Society at St. Pius. He also was involved in scouting, serving as a leader in the Explorers. After the war, Frank worked at Studebaker's. He sold insurance for a time. He then worked as a tool and die designer. Until his retirement, Frank managed the St. Vincent DePaul Society thrift store on Sample Street. Frank and Olive (Harrell) were married on June 19, 1948. Olive survives him after 64 years of marriage. Also surviving him are four sons, Patrick and Helen of Eugene, OR, Paul of Fishers, IN, Steve and Julie of Mishawaka, and Chris and Maryken of Mission Viejo, CA. He is also survived by sisters, Anna Jankowski and Rose Kambol; and brothers, Andy Plaia and Peter Plaia. Frank was preceded in death by his son, Mark Plaia; brother, Joseph Plaia; and sisters, Frances Rohr and Pauline Plaia. Mark's wife Carol survives. Grandchildren surviving him are Carmen Ripley-Wilson, Sara Plaia, Allison Kulman, Emily Plaia, Chad Plaia, Jared Plaia, Nicholas Murphy, Colton Plaia, and great-grandson, Zephyir Wilson. Frank was a fishing enthusiast. He had a line in the water most of his life. He most enjoyed the trips to Ludington, MI, and fishing in the Gulf of Mexico where they wintered. Frank and Olive enjoyed square dancing. Gardening was another pastime of Frank's. He must hold some kind of record for the most canned tomatoes. He had a deep commitment to family, church, the poor, and the country. Frank lived well and will be missed. Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 am at St. Pius X on Saturday, June 8, 2013. A funeral Mass will follow. Hahn Funeral Home, Mishawaka, has been entrusted with helping the family with the final arrangements. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.
Published in South Bend Tribune on June 5, 2013