William Pluma

1940 - 2022

William Pluma
January 9, 1940 - December 21, 2021
Paso Robles, California - William E. (Bill) Pluma, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021 in Paso Robles, CA. Born in Los Angeles, CA Jan. 9, 1940 to William and Martha Pluma, he spent his childhood in Norwalk, CA, graduating in 1958 from Excelsior High School. At 16, Bill became a primary provider for his family, because his father was disabled. He started out in a butcher shop owned by his mentor, Benny Kaplan, where he learned the value of hard work and saving money. Bill went on to become a professional meat cutter/department manager and part time realtor. In the late 60's Bill moved to Atascadero. He met his wife Janice in 1986 in Pismo Beach. They married on Diamond Head Beach in Oahu, Hawaii in 1989. Soon after, they moved to Paso Robles.
Bill loved travel, visiting all 50 states. He and Janice took wonderful vacations to Mexico, Canada, Europe, South Pacific, Caribbean and Central America. He never stopped talking about the next vacation. But Bill's true heart and passion was his own community.
His volunteerism began upon retirement in 1992. He threw himself into helping others, working 1500 to 2000 hours a year, tireless in his drive to give back. From 2001 to 2021, he was honored with countless awards, some from notable leaders like President George W. Bush and Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado. He was named 2021 Senior of the Year. Bill volunteered with Paso Robles Police Dept., the Senior Advisory Board, Food Bank Coalition, Salvation Army, Paso Robles City Library, SLO Performing Arts Center, Mid-State Fair, Estrella Warbirds Museum, Pioneer Museum, Main Street and others. He was a member of Optimist Club, Elks Club, and Marine Corps League.
Bill always felt his crowning achievement was his work helping youth. As a member of Optimist Club, he mentored the Junior Optimist Club at Paso High, headed the scholarship committee, facilitated essay and oratorical contests. He organized an Optimist spelling bee held during Main Street's Honey Festival. His special love was The Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles. He was president of Toy Bank for 17 of the 25 years he was on the board of directors. For the past 8 years he was fundraising chairman for this group that brings joy to underserved children at Christmas.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, younger brother, brother-in-law, and two young nieces. The most painful loss of all was that of his youngest daughter and stepdaughter who perished together in an accident. His fierce love for his family helped carry him through and he was grateful for those he had left. He also found solace in scripture and had attended both Plymouth Congregational Church and Paso Robles Community Church.
Bill is survived by his wife of 32 years, Janice Pluma, his oldest daughter, his son in-law, three beautiful grandchildren, his younger sister and brother, 5 sisters in-law, 4 brothers in-law, an aunt, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There will be a celebration of Bill's life on March 12 from 1 to 5 PM at Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles. Donations to the following would be appreciated: Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles, Paso Senior Center, Paso Pioneer Museum, Estrella Warbirds Museum/Woodland Auto Display or a charity of your choice. The family will place Bill's ashes to rest privately at Paso Robles District Cemetery.