Obituary of Robert J. Plaskon

Robert J. "Bob" Plaskon, 85, of State College, PA passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home.

Bob was born on July 29, 1938, in Pittsburgh, PA to the late George and Mary (Bobik) Plaskon. On May 13, 1967, he married the love of his life, Carolyn (Maihan), who preceded him in death on November 12, 2006, exactly 17 years to the day of Bob's passing.

He is survived by his daughter, Alison L. Foster, and her husband, Robert, of State College, PA; his son, Robert M. Plaskon, and his wife, Kathleen, of Roswell, GA; a twin brother, William G. Plaskon, of Mill Valley, CA; and 4 grandchildren, Rachel and Michael Foster, and Charlotte and Andrew Plaskon. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald J. Plaskon.

Bob was a 1957 graduate of Turtle Creek High School and a 1962 graduate of Penn State with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. After graduating from Penn State, Bob was commissioned to the United States Army, where he served from 1962 to 1964, spending time in Europe and attaining the rank of Captain. After leaving the Army, Bob went on to work for various companies across the United States in the transportation industry but spent the majority of his career as a warehouse manager for Wheelabrator Air Pollution Control in Pittsburgh, PA. Upon retiring in 2001, Bob moved to Surprise, AZ, with his wife, where he continued working part-time for Sun Health as a patient transport driver.

Bob will be remembered as an avid and voracious reader—especially of military and western novels —and a passionate train enthusiast with a keen interest in trains, railways, and rail transport. His love of trains inspired many cross-country Amtrak trips. He was a dedicated caretaker for his beloved cat, Misty, and volunteer at the local animal shelter in Surprise, AZ. Bob was also a recreational meteorologist and astronomer, providing friends and family with reports on the weather and the night skies. But most especially, Bob will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College, PA.  A future service is planned for Spring 2024, when Bob will be inurned alongside his wife in Arlington National Cemetary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in remembrance of Bob may be made to Centre County PAWS, www.centrecountypaws.org.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.