GEORGE PLUTCHOK

PLUTCHOK GEORGE
Age 93, of Atlanta, GA, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away Monday, July 21, 2014. Loved and respected by everyone who knew him, he was raised in Newark, NJ, the son of Russian immigrants. He was a graduate of New York University with a BA in music, and was among the first in the country to achieve a doctorate in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. He served honorably in WWII in the South Pacific, working after the war for the United States Committee for the Care of Refugees, receiving and assisting Jewish children just rescued from Nazi concentration camps. In 1945, he met and married the late Sylvia Dardik, moved to Philadelphia to ultimately become the Executive Director of the YM&YWHA. In 1964, he left social work administration for a career in academia and social activism. Dr. Plutchok was a professor at Atlanta University and the University of Kentucky, and Associate Dean at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. As an active member of Jewish organizations, countless committees, numerous charities, and non-profit boards, he also lobbied Congress as a founding member of the National Association of Social Workers. Tireless as a champion for quality social work services and for the professionalism of social workers, he was a pillar of his community and a fount of wisdom and disparate knowledge. An active and fervent champion for social justice and equity throughout his life, he taught by example. In his private and humble manner, he set the standard of dignity, honor, and respect for humanity that touched and influenced everyone he met. Surrounded by books and the experience of world travel, study, and reflection, George Plutchok, with humor and a smile, irrevocably touched everyone he met. He is survived by four children and their spouses; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Services will be held in Riverside Cemetery in Saddlebrook, NJ on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The George Plutchok Student Resource Endowment Fund at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, 2117 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. DRESSLER JEWISH FUNERAL CARE of Atlanta, GA is in charge of arrangements, 770-451-4999.
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