Allen Plunkett Jr.

It's been said that the 2 most important days in anyone's life are the day they are born and the day they figure out why. It's easy to imagine that the second piece of the puzzle was gently in place the first day Al stood in front of a classroom to teach. Al loved to teach and it showed. His entire life centered on educating, mentoring, philosophizing, debating. Whoever was thought to be the greatest debater in Heaven has just been knocked from that pedestal. It doesn't matter what side, he will take it, he will debate it and he will win. Al loved to teach, but he especially loved his students. His passion was to help people succeed – we witness that in the cards and letters he saved from his students, the awards he was given for all his work and the successes of those whom he taught. To be a great teacher, you have to work hard and Al knew how to do that. There were a few years where, in order to make ends meet, he had 3 jobs. One of them was in a chemical plant at night where he quite literally worked his fingers to the bone. His generation was taught to work hard, provide for your family and the rest would take care of itself. Al lived this every day of his life. He was constantly on the move and didn't care much for "retired life" during which he taught 5 online courses. His lesson to us, his family - create memories with one another, share your memories with one another – laugh, cry, debate – even pontificate if you feel enough bravado (though we highly recommend you wear the Big Al t-shirt when you do). Al left earth for the glory of Heaven on December 23rd, 2015. He died with incredible grace, dignity and humility to be with Our Heavenly Father. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sheila, his 4 kids, Doreen, Maura, Kathleen and Allen. His 5 grandchildren, Ashleigh, Kenny, Julian, Chase and Corinna and one great grandson, Jackson. He is also survived by his sister Barbara, his brother Paul and his sister Maureen. His kids ask that you please remember their Mom Sheila in your prayers – she deserves to have the richest life this world can offer her. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation to your local Hospice, to St. Timothy's Lutheran Church or to the Citizens Alliance for Progress, both in Tarpon Springs. Services are scheduled for Wednesday 12.30 at 3 p.m.at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens in Palm Harbor at 1750 Curlew Rd., Palm Harbor, 34683 followed by a gathering to celebrate his life at the Citizens Alliance for Progress (Union Academy) building in Tarpon Springs at 5:30. It is located at 401 E Martin Luther King Blvd, Tarpon Springs 34689