"Hello Heidi and family, I am sorry about your the passing of your father and Dad. I knew Tom from Kodak and Heidelberg as both a boss and friend. Heidi, you might only remember me as Sue Clark as we met at Geva plays pretty much each year until the 2020 disruption of life. Grief is strong but will wane with time. You always carry your loved one in your heart. I wish you and your family the best in the coming years. "
In loving memory of
Thomas M. Plutchak
October 27, 1947 - April 20, 2024
Thomas M. Plutchak
Greece: April 20, 2024. Tom is predeceased by his parents, Miles & Evelyn Plutchak; brothers, Peter Plutchak & Jerry Plutchak. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sharon Plutchak; daughters, Heidi Fitzgerald, Heather (John) Fridd, & Holly (Richard) Bozzelli; grandchildren, Connor, Marah, & Teagan Fitzgerald, Taylor, Rachel Inman, Hunter, Clayton Duford; sister Janet Behrens; several nieces, nephews, cousins & dear friends.
Tom was born on October 27, 1947, to Evelyn and Miles Plutchak in Ontonagon, Michigan. He was the oldest of 4 children, with sister Janet and brothers Jerry and Peter. Growing up in God's Country, the upper peninsula of Michigan, he spent a great deal of time fishing, hunting, and skiing. Even later, Tom loved backpacking and canoe camping with Sharon.
Tom graduated from Michigan Technical University as the top physics student on June 14, 1969. He and Sharon were married on June 21, and he embarked on his long and varied career with Eastman Kodak on June 30.
He and Sharon welcomed three beautiful daughters by 1974. Over the years he gardened and bicycled, cooked and did some woodworking. But his most beloved activity was alpine skiing, proudly serving on the National Ski Patrol for 47 years.
Tom had great faith and served in various capacities at Messiah Lutheran Church. He and Sharon traveled with family and friends, with too many fantastic memories to share. His favorites were taking his young children to Mexico for a month, the national parks trip out west and cruises in the Caribbean, as well as trips with his "Harem" of four. He was an adventurous traveler, taking the back roads, driving in international cities, and tasting every novel food he could. He developed a fine palate for wine, visiting wineries wherever travel took him.
His children and grandchildren appreciated his financial advice and solid life advice. He was always their advocate. Family was his priority. He marveled at his smart daughters, cherished his seven grandchildren, and treasured watching them grow up into the amazing people they are today. Life was best when the house was filled, happy hour was happening, holidays, holding hands singing the doxology and when backyard "no-rules" lacrosse was in full swing.
We have lost a good man, an honest, conscientious, quiet, modest, and loyal man who has touched many lives. His family has lost their Liebe. "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord." Matthew 25:23.
Tom's life story will be shared during his visitation at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.), Friday, April 26th, 3-7 PM. His funeral Service will be celebrated, Saturday, April 27th, 12 PM at Messiah Lutheran Church, 4301 Mt. Read Blvd., immediately following he will be laid to rest in Parma Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to, R Community Bikes, 226 Hudson Ave., Rochester, NY in Tom's memory.
Tributes
"I so loved Uncle Tom. When Sharon and Tom would stay at our house, Tom would watch cartoons with me on Saturday mornings. I was amazed an "Adult" would watch cartoons with me. But this was the 70s and cartoons were fun. I also watched my first scary movie with Uncle Tom. I didn't sleep for weeks after that... Tom enjoyed craft beers and I loved introducing him to Michigan-born brews. He was a terrific Uncle. "