Richard Plata, 66, a longtime Aurora resident, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, of cancer in Hines VA Hospital. Born in Linares, Mexico, Mr. Plata moved with his family to Texas when he was 8 years old. An Aurora resident since 1955, he worked in the quality-control department at Western Electric for 20 years before becoming the owner of Aurora Bowling Lanes and Stardust Ballroom. Later, he worked at Angelos Liquor and Pub in Aurora. Over the years, Mr. Plata volunteered for several organizations, including the United Way. “He was a very generous and religious man who really lived his beliefs,” said his daughter Brenda Gonzales. “He would give anyone the shirt off his back.” Other survivors include his wife of 40 years, Elisa; two sons, Richard and Orlando; a brother, Julio; two sisters, Domingo Plata-Navarro and Maria Gloria Ward; and three grandchildren. Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Peter Catholic Church, 925 Sard Ave., Aurora.
