Joseph A. Pleshar, age 86, died July 12, 2006. Husband of the late Lorraine, nee Majewski; and loving father of Denise (Frank) La Giglia, Maureen (Thomas) Como, Renee Pleshar, Valerie Pleshar (Michael Dosmar), Laurie Pleshar (Oce Harrison), Joseph Jr. (Traci), Vanessa Pleshar (Bryan Bolger), Melanie (Jeff) Koolbeck, Jeanine (Fred) Wozniak; beloved grandfather of 13 grandsons and 16 granddaughters; greatgrandfather of 13. Survived also by two sisters, Dolores (the late Claude) Calloway and Patricia (Don) Pepich; sister-in-law Emily (Majewski) Routhier, as well as a host of other loving relatives. Joseph was born fourth of six children on April 3, 1920, in Chicago to Joseph and Mary, nee Vlazny. He graduated from Kelly High School in 1938. In October 1943, while serving in the Army during WWII, he and Lorraine were married. After the war, he attended Bryant & Stratton Business School for accounting and upon graduation went to work at USI Clearing, from which he retired as Comptroller in 1985. He was an active member of St. Gall Parish throughout his adult life as well as a participant in neighborhood organizations. Joseph/dad/grandpa was dedicated to family life, a hard worker, a prankster/jokester, a card player, a romantic husband, a loyal and fun-loving neighbor, friend, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle – a hero to his family. He loved history, reading, traveling, and approached life with a light heart. Vistation Sunday, 2 to 9 p.m., at Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 West 127th Street, Crestwood. Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral liturgy begins directly at St. Gall Church for a 10:30 a.m. Mass, 5500 S. Kedzie, Chicago, Monday, July 17, 2006. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Misericordia Heart of Mercy Home (www.misericordia.com) or Heifer International (www.heifer.org). 708-824-9000 or www.becvarfuneralhome.com
