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John Plante Obituary

John Patrick Orteig Plante died Tuesday Feb. 25, 2014, age 59, of complications from heart surgery. Known as "Patrick," he was a chef, party planner, promoter, television host, raconteur and bon vivant. Born in Bronxville, N.Y. he was the son of Barbara Barnes Orteig and her then husband Jules Otreig, who died when Patrick was five. Patrick and his three brothers were adopted by her second husband, CBS News Correspondent Bill Plante. Patrick was raised in Glenview, IL, and studied at the City College of Santa Barbara in California. He served as chef and maitre'd for a variety of people, from Alice Cooper to the Phipps Family of Palm Beach. He also lived and worked in Martha's Vineyard, Aspen and Palm Beach. Among his many ventures, he played the straight man in the Aspen Grassroots TV program, "The Uncle Fergie Show," promoted male supermodels and worked with Chicago socialite Sugar Rautbord. He is survived by his stepfather, Bill Plante, his brothers Michael, Daniel, Christopher, Brian and David. Visitation will be Friday, March 7th, 4-8PM at the Donnellan Funeral Home, Skokie, IL. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, March 8th at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Church, Winnetka, IL.

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

Published by Chicago Tribune on Mar. 4, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John Plante

Not sure what to say?





Corinne Rogan

February 27, 2026

02/27/26-Hi Patrick, Have been traveling throughout Europe, Mexico & Canada looking for my Senior home. Have no"buddy" to "hang" with. U left too soon, pal.

Corinne Rogan

February 26, 2025

02/26/25-Hi Patrick, on the beach in San Jose del Cabo, Mx. glad to hear from U. Am finding my Senior Home here. Bueno. Mom, Diane Rogan, passed away @ 92, 12/15/24. Maybe you´ll run into each other.

Corinne Rogan

December 9, 2024

12/09-Luv to remember my buddy, Patrick Plante!! It´s mom´s 93rd birthday today.

Scott Arundale

December 8, 2024

So many memories and fun thoughts! Wish you were still with us. Patrick, you taught me how to laugh and be kind, even though you made fun of the people around you and which I remember to this day. Your ability to embrace life was enormous. You were larger than life. Literally. I remember a photograph taken with my Dad and you showing who had the larger gut! I visited you in Montecito and Laguna and have so many great remembrances in the Vineyard. One of a kind. You will be missed.

Leslie

March 19, 2024

Ten years gone.... Hey there!....another St Paddy's Day thinking of you... Hope you're holding down the fort in Heaven and the gods are laughing. You are still missed here in Santa Barbara and beyond.

Ross gordon Rylance

March 18, 2024

Miss ya dude! Say hey to my late wife, Kathleen aka Peanut. She joined you on 11/18/17. Now living in Santa Monica and see Scott Arundale from time to time. All the best,

Ross

Leslie A Westbrook

February 27, 2024

Ten years.... my goodness where does the time go? Ten years ago you were the first of 20 friends and family i lost that year including my father in April. You always knew how to kick off a party Patrick. I will be thinking of you on St Paddy's day and perhaps can gather with Doris and/or a other few old pals here in Santa Barbara. Sending love to you in Heaven. Leslie

Kim Killian

August 11, 2023

What to say....I hob nobed with Patrick from my High School years to grad. From. UCSB. We stayed in fabulous oceanside resorts belonging to the wealthy of Montecito (Lester Burhman) The Winters and The Moorehearts, Kenny loggins, Mick Fleetwood!
The louds. He lived the most outraged life and taught me to live for each day as your last

Jimbeau

October 1, 2022

Patrick,
Bursting on the scene
Hello There!
Rest brother, all is done.

Nanette

February 26, 2022

This is for your brothers, to make them smile. Feel free to give me a sign that it's better where you are!

Corinne Rogan

March 22, 2021

So many funny memories!!

Nanette

March 20, 2021

Hey P, I have to say, life is a little duller without you.
Nanette

leslie westbrook

March 18, 2021

Patrick´s been in my thoughts as well - must be the st paddy´s day vibe ! Missed but not forgotten - just ran into Muffy a few days ago as well..., so ,,,

Corinne Rogan

March 17, 2021

Happy St Patrick´s Day, Buddy!
Thinking of U lately. R U vibing me?

Steven Kunes

March 14, 2017

You were a lot of fun, Patrick, and the very thought of your name will always bring a smile to my face and add a point of light to my day. Take good care and until we meet again, my friend....

Annette Alexander

May 4, 2015

So pleased to know your tribute pages shall remain on line. Each time I visit, I know you better than I had known you in life. And I'm still missing you. What fun to think of you, and friends gone before you, now at peace, probably up there messing with the angels.

Steven Fisher

May 3, 2015

It has been many years since we have spoken and for that I am sorry. Finally, I have enough courage to seek you out and I find this. To all the things you said we would've accomplished and to all the stories...I will truly miss you Patrick and I send my love....I never would have imagined walking the beach one day in Santa Barbara would've taken me on the year journey it did but for that journey I thank you.
Take care my friend!

Corinne Rogan

March 9, 2015

Glad to think of U tda, Patrick, my pal. Silly Goose. I miss ya.

Ann Alfieris

March 8, 2015

It's been too many years since we have spoken, but found myself laughing out loud today thinking about you, me, Nancy, the Vineyard, so I Googled you. Much to my sorrow, I found this page. We had a lot of laughs and excellent adventures I will not soon forget. Farwell old friend.

Paul Burdell

February 14, 2015

You were a lovable rogue.

Aspen 1980

Jeane Vinson

September 11, 2014

Patrick I still can't believe you are gone. My life would have so boring without you!
Aspen 1980 - our first meeting!

Corinne (Cathleen,Cathy) Rogan

April 25, 2014

On 04/06/14-I had my inaugural stand up comedy gig. In fact, when I was preparing my material, I thought it would be so funny to ask Patrick to help me plan what I was going to say. So, this is what I said, "I am of the age where my friends are starting to kick. I'd like to thank Patrick Plante for leading off the procession. I wore a shower curtain as a wrap, that he got for me with the 5 finger discount at a place that was the predecessor of Bed Bath & Beyond with the 5 finger discount. This is the plan. Thank U Patrick, we'll keep 'em laughing' I forgot half the jokes I was going to say about U. If/when I do it again. We'll always remember the good times.

2003 Montecito, CA

Kathryn LePage

March 18, 2014

I met you 44 years ago and I became hooked on your stories. I know I will never meet anyone like you again. I can still hear that infectious laugh in my head! You were outrageous, brilliant, intense, skeptical of life, pressing against the limits of social parameters--but always with that boyish charm, your impeccable style and manners, and your deep sentimentality for friendship. So happy to have had you illuminate my life by including me in your adventures, supporting me in hard times, and telling me I was beautiful. I love you, Patrick. My wish is that peace is all around you, and you no longer struggle with the pain of human experience. To the family, I share your loss.

Mark Wilkinson

March 17, 2014

Today, on your name day dear Patrick, I raise a toast to the joy and laughter and love you brought into so many lives, and will always give thanks for your friendship.

From LA to Laguna, Montecito to Chicago, we had some hilarious fun and adventures. I can't believe you are gone. Patrick, you taught me how to live life large and embrace it! Right now I know that you are filling Heaven with laughter, and that whenever you say "chop-chop!" whatever you want magically appears.

My condolences and prayers to Patrick's family, I wish I could have been in Chicago for the services. Patrick was a friend of 30+ years and you can be proud of the many lives he enlightened in his too-short time here.

Thor/Courtney Riordon

March 15, 2014

Ey Now!! It is truly a sad day...one of my only True Friends in this Life. I am very sorry for all the Friends and Family of this one, Patrick was One-Of-A-Kind and he will be Forever Remembered.
Thor and Courtney Riordon ~ Lake Geneva

Paul Bachmann

March 12, 2014

Hey now! Oh Plante family I am sad to lear of Patrick's passing. I will miss his stories and learning the latest. Every day will be boring in comparison. I will never forget you.

Jordan Y

March 12, 2014

Hey Now!!

Lake Michigan views, long stories exchanged, Ravinia, and more...

If you ever decide to reveal that you faked your own death, I hope I'm the first to know :)

-Jordan

Kim Hanson

March 10, 2014

Hey Now, Patrick!! Man oh man, how you have enjoyed life and shown me how to enjoy it even more. Thank you for being a true life long and longer friend. From The Vineyard to Aspen, all 36 plus years and still going. I love you buddy!!

Kim Hanson & Family

Deborah Konig

March 10, 2014

Patrick you will be greatly missed by all of us. I will remember you with that unique personality and humor that always brightened a day. You were really a joy and I will always have a smile whenever I think of you. God Bless

Colleen's wedding to Jim Seeberg with Mom & Cynthia

Corinne Rogan

March 10, 2014

Becky Matey

March 9, 2014

Condolences to the Plante family on your loss of your son & brother......the Mateys in Florida send their love and support.
In reading other tributes, it is obvious that Patrick was a joy to be around and touched many, many lives. You all were blessed to have had him in your lives.

March 8, 2014

I was sad to hear of Patrick's passing. I will always remember him for his kindness, his sense of humor and his big hair back in the days of Edgewood Lane. My sincere condolences to Bill, 'Harsh' Mike, Danny and his Army buddies, Christopher, Brian, David and all his extended family members.

In Sympathy,
Jerry Frey

On American Bandstand. Took this pic from TV, B4 VCRs

Corinne Rogan

March 7, 2014

With Ciro Uceley from Spain

Corinne Rogan

March 7, 2014

Travelling to Tahoe

Corinne Rogan

March 7, 2014

In Santa Barbara with Todd. Look @ that FRO

Corinne Rogan

March 7, 2014

On Martha's Vineyard

Corinne Rogan

March 7, 2014

Corinne Rogan

March 7, 2014

Patrick prepared another delicious meal..

Corinne Rogan

March 7, 2014

Corinne Rogan

March 7, 2014

What an innocent fella.

Corinne Rogan

March 7, 2014

With Walter Cronkhite in Martha's Vineyard

Corinne Rogan

March 7, 2014

Getting ready for another night of adventures.

Corinne Rogan

March 7, 2014

Patrick & Corinne Rogan @ Stephanie Sava's Wedding

Corinne Rogan

March 7, 2014

Wael Khalaf

March 7, 2014

My condolences to the family

Margarita Fairbanks

March 6, 2014

Yours was the epitome of a life lived on one's own terms and isn't this really what we are all in search of…36 years, gone too fast...Patrick, you are forever woven into the fabric of my life..born the same day as my angel mother whom you dubbed Saint Bib for raising all those boys, I can feel the two of you smiling down on me right now and you with that ineffable laughter!!….Thank you for too many things to name..You had a heart of pure gold and to be on the receiving end was a gift, just stay out of the cross hairs! haha!! I am actually thrilled that you are out of a body which no longer served you and you are on to your next excellent adventure….Appropriately, there is a national holiday for you! St. Patrick's day will take on a whole new meaning, but you will be in my heart and mind ALWAYS…rest well, honey, and keep the light on, I'll see you in heaven.

All my love,

Margarita (Fairbanks)

Corinne Rogan

March 6, 2014

Good bye, my sweet friend. We had a blast in the 70's & 80's. Thanx 4 the memories! Corinne Rogan

Bob Buergin

March 6, 2014

It has been announced that Patrick will be returning to play himself in the cinema entitled Patrick Plante The Vivant Years.After he is done with a little stop in purgatory...Heaven is waiting for his opening act. See you again...Bobby Buergin

Tim Rogan

March 6, 2014

RIP to a great guy who was the personification of fun. No matter how serious the mood, when Patrick showed up, laughs followed. You will be missed, friend. Condolences to Bill, Michael, Daniel, Christopher, Brian, David and his extended family.

John and Sharon Cini

March 6, 2014

Dear Beth, Michael, Julian
and the rest of the Plante Family
Our Sincerest condolences to each and everyone of you. Patrick will be dearly missed and Cherished! You are in our prayers. We wish many blessings on each and everyone of you.

All our Love

John and Sharon Cini

Suzanne Gerlits

March 6, 2014

Condolences from the Gerlits Family...Patrick was unique.

Kelly

March 6, 2014

"Well..Hi Honey" or HELLO THERE! That was the BEST entrance greeting ever--the good times were abundant and the laughter was insane. I am one of the lucky ones...I know that for sure.

Annette Alexander

March 6, 2014

I knew we would be friends from the start, we were. I have crystal goblets filled with memories of the beach, of you eclectic group of friends, your wicked fun advice on all subjects serious to frivolous. Always on while entertaining a crowd, yet just as happy, sometimes more so, serious and contemplative, with the company of one. Still in pajamas 2 New Year's Eves just watching TV, you and I. Miss you already Patrick, still wondering when you'll return to Santa Barbara.

Annette Alexander

March 6, 2014

A friend to the end.R.I.P. Patrick

leslie westbrook

March 5, 2014

i didn't get to edit my entry or light a candle...rest in peace my friend..i will miss our phone gossip sessions! xo

Jeri Calvetti

March 5, 2014

Patrick exemplified the meaning of YOLO. I always enjoyed our visits, he made me laugh the entire time. I truly considered him part of the family, and am going to miss him very much. May his memory be a blessing to his family and all that had the honor of knowing him.
RIP my friend....

Leslie Westbrook

March 5, 2014

my condolences to the Plante brothers - Patrick was one of a kind and I miss him dearly... I wish i could be in Chicago to celebrate his bon vivant life and hope that there will be some type of gathering in Santa Barbara (we go back almost 40 years!). Gone to soon, rest in peace my fun friend.. I will miss you for a long time. Leslie Westbrook

March 5, 2014

Darling Patrick, Now that you are in heaven you will certainly have a blast entertaining everyone as you did on earth! You were the funniest person I ever knew bar none and now I can admit I stole a lot of your material over the years! Amazing crazy memories of Chicago, Colorado, Santa Barbara, San Francisco together are a comfort to me now. Your super galactic light will never be forgotten. God Bless your Family - Love, Ann Joyce

Aretistick One

March 5, 2014

Patrick was a vibrant, outspoken, yet intriguing man who enjoyed life. We started our relationship on a very slippery slope, I did say 'outspoken', but his many layers included sensitivity and caring. Although he is now resting in peace, I shall remember him periodically when I think of El Lago.

Jamie Ahern

March 4, 2014

Patrick,
please keep the party going for the Bowler's and I till we get there.You were the best!

julie zerega

March 4, 2014

you knew you were in the right place and that the evening would be fabulous and unforgettable if patrick was there. he greeted you with a huge smile, warm hug and a cool drink. he made sure the table was big enough, the seats plenty, and then he held court telling remarkable tales from his remarkable life. he always made you feel special, especially because you were lucky enough to be included in his memories as he was in mine. you are already greatly missed patrick. heaven has their latest superstar and the parties up there will never be the same. with much love -

March 4, 2014

The Plaza will never be the same, thank you for the memories, laughs, the Vineyard, and the REST! Go with GOD!
Xoxo Eloise Dilling

March 4, 2014

Patrick was well loved by many and will be sorely missed. He was a grand gentleman and always knew just the right thing to say to brighten your day. "We've had as much fun as we are going to get out of this place." God bless his family and friends.

Clayton Smith

March 4, 2014

I first met Patrick at a wedding hosted by the late late Woodrow Wilson Patrick had on a fabulous tux with slippers I knew he was special !

Patrick Plante, 7th Grade, Glenview JHS, 1968

Tim Rogan

March 4, 2014

Jeane Vinson

March 4, 2014

There are so many! Patrick was a beam of light in my life; it wouldn't have been the same without him the last 30 years. He taught never to settle for anything less than one deserves. HEY NOW!!!!!

Frame right is Patrick, the one stirring up the class. Behind him, Pam Douglas,working on another detention for all. Me? I'm the nerd in his seat!

Tim Rogan

March 4, 2014

Christopher Dovalina

March 4, 2014

Patrick the great story teller, witty, sardonic, and ribald. I will miss you friend and Bon Vivant

Kimberlee Smith

March 4, 2014

In this time of sorrow, my thoughts and prayers go to the Plante family, and to Bill who was and always will be a devoted loving father......Kimberlee Smith

Rob Tovar

March 4, 2014

The way you lit up a room is what the heavens are now experiencing - RIP

Rob Tovar

March 4, 2014

Patrick the way you lit up a room will be missed by all who knew you - RIP

Muffie Taylor Austin

March 4, 2014

So sorry to hear this...Patrick was always so full of life! Prayers to his family...

Chicago and the world will miss you big guy!!

Ross Rylance

March 4, 2014

Ross Rylance

March 4, 2014

His smile, laugh and good natured outlook on life!

Lynn McMahan

March 4, 2014

I will always miss you Patrick. You had a heart of gold, wit, and spirit that will never be forgotten. RIP dear friend.

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Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

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10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

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