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Richard Pleines Obituary

Pleines, Richard
With deep sadness we share news of the sudden passing of Richard Pleines – devoted husband, brother, son- and brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Larger than life, Rich was an outgoing and gregarious guy – everyone who knew him loved him, and once you met him you never forgot him.
Rich was a telecommunications professional, and an active member of many local organizations, including Hamden Elks Lodge #2224, CBX Motorcycle Club, Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, and the Harugari Singing Society.
Born in New Haven on October 29, 1949 and raised in West Haven, Rich was the son of the late William and Mary Pleines. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cathy, his brothers William (Anne), Robert (Susan), and Michael (Lori) as well as a host of in-laws, nieces & nephews, coworkers and devoted friends.
A gathering to remember Rich will be held at American Legion Post 88 (3005 Dixwell Ave., Hamden) on Saturday, April 20th from 1-5 p.m. Donations in his memory can be made to Hamden Elks #2224 (175 School St, Hamden 06518). Condolences may be expressed at hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register on Apr. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Pleines

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Neil

April 7, 2025

You are missed every day!

Neil

April 7, 2024

Hey Rich, we know you´re having fun up there. Thanks for keeping an eye on us!

Neil Nepiarsky

April 7, 2021

Rich, it's so hard to believe that 2 years have passed, and yet everyday you still make us laugh, think and sob! I still want to call you all the time with things that happen, things I've seen or done, things I know you would appreciate. Life has changed without your humor and guidance, but your "wisdom" remains with us! Ride safely up there!!

Rita Manfredi

April 27, 2019

Cathy, I am so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. Sorry I could not attend the Memorial due to illness. You will always be in my wonderful memories! Rita Manfredi

Lisa Sette

April 18, 2019

I knew Rich for many, many years at GE both Fairfield and in Norwalk. His sense of humor always made my day as he would come in to chat whenever he was on our floor. What a genuine and kind human being and I was so saddened by his passing. May his family rest peacefully knowing how loved and respected he was.

With warmth to the family,

Lisa Sette

April 15, 2019

Your big warm smile and positive personality will never be forgotten! We will miss, Rich.

arthu landry

April 15, 2019

A great guy from a great family...Always enjoyable to be with and he will be missed by all. Godspeed and RIP

Susan Lanziero

April 15, 2019

Heartfelt condolences from everyone at the Haurgari Singing Society. Rich will be missed greatly.

Bill Hamlin

April 14, 2019

Saddened by the news of Rich's passing. It will leave a hole in the motorcycling community.

Joanne Giba

April 14, 2019

I worked with Rich at GE Corporate, a tough place. EVERYONE, including my managers, loved him. He was not only so accommodating, his smile and humor were contagious. It's true, once you met him, he was and is unforgettable. Never sour even under the most stressful moments.

His holiday ties, his decorated cart for phone equipment, his shout outs ... true bright spots in the 9-5 grind. I cannot even imagine what it was like to be his friend or family. He made US feel that way.

Pleines family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I guess the Lord just let us borrow him for a short time, missed him, and wanted him back home. May we all take a page from the Rich Pleines Book of Life.

Joanne Giba
Stratford, CT

Michael Keeney

April 14, 2019

Richard and I went way back. We spent a lot of time making mischief in our late teens and early 20's. Over the years we lost contact and went our separate ways, but I would occasionally think about him and our time hanging out together. We just exchanged e-mails within the last month suggesting a get together. And now this. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great friend with a great laugh. He could be a very funny man when you got him going. My condolences to his wife and family. Rest in peace Richard.

Neil Nepiarsky

April 13, 2019

What a void Rich's passing will leave in so many ways. If he met you, you were a friend. If you were a friend, he made you laugh, smile and helped you with anything. He was entertaining in any situation and when it came to work he was the consumate professional. He will be so missed.

sandy and art

April 13, 2019

it is with our deepest condolences and sadness that we send this message. may your fond memories sustain you through this difficult time. please know that our hearts go out to your family.
with much love and sadness,
sandy peccerillo and art barstis xoxo

Lisa Devaney

April 13, 2019

I am heartbroken! Rich was a highly valuable and respected member of the GE family and the effects of his passing are already being felt by his fellow co-workers. He was such a dedicated worker always willing to go the extra mile for anyone and always with his genuine wit I never once saw him in a bad mood.

He was a remarkable man and everyone at GE is better for having known him. I am privileged to call him my friend and am humbled by his kindness and compassion to everyone around him. There will be a hole at GE without Rich's smile and work ethic. He will be greatly missed. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Rich's family and friends during this difficult time. May he rest in peace. Until we meet again Rich!

Kathy Turecek Gerwien

April 13, 2019

Goodbye Rich. We have enjoyed many years working together at GE and hoisting beers at our German HaruGari Club outings. I will forever remember your smile and value our wonderful friendship, Rest In Peace my friend. God bless you and your family.

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