Herbert Joseph Plummer

Herbert Joseph Plummer, 91, of Lincoln, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home on

Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Born in Washington, D.C., Joe was the son of the late Herbert C. and Fannye Jo (Kopecky)

Plummer. A man of immense intellect, wit, and generosity, Joe led a life devoted to language,

storytelling, and service-both to his country and to the countless students and audiences whose

lives he touched.

A retired teacher and actor, Joe served as Associate Professor in the Mass Communications

Department at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He earned his doctorate in

Rhetoric and Linguistics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and taught writing at the

University of Delaware's Parallel Program, as well as courses on Charles Dickens at the Osher

Lifelong Learning Institute in Lewes. His love of learning and mentorship extended well beyond

the classroom-he volunteered as a mentor at Lulu Ross Elementary School in Milford and

served as a lector at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church.

Joe began his career in journalism, working as a reporter and assistant Sunday editor at the Times

Herald-Record in Middletown, NY, and later as a copy editor at the The Record in Hackensack,

NJ. His command of language, sharp eye for detail, and deep sense of narrative shaped both his

professional and personal life.

He also proudly served in the U.S. Army, first at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and later in

Frankfurt, Germany, where he was the classical music director for the American Forces Network.

Perhaps most memorably, Joe was beloved for his extraordinary one-man performances of

Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, which he presented throughout Northeastern

Pennsylvania, Delaware, and beyond. His portrayal of Dickens was so revered that in 2001, he

and his son Joseph Plummer, brought the production to the Blue Heron Theatre off-Broadway in

New York City, a highlight of a lifetime.

Above all, Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved

wife, Terry, of Lincoln, and eight children who brought him endless pride and joy: Cecilia

Galante, Josie Jesser, Lionel Plummer, Joseph Plummer, Therese Plummer, Margaret Mary

Green, Dr. Samuel Plummer, and Herbert Plummer. He also leaves behind eleven cherished

grandchildren, each a testament to his legacy of love, wisdom, and quiet strength.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his sister, Judith Frances Plummer, who

passed away two days earlier.

Joe Plummer will be remembered for his deep humanity, his lifelong devotion to language and

literature, and his love of performance art. He was a man who listened deeply and loved

generously-quietly shaping the hearts and minds of those around him. His legacy lives on not

only in his work, but in the countless students, colleagues, friends, and family members who

were fortunate enough to be part of his story.

A joint memorial service for Joe and Judy Plummer will be held on Saturday, September 20,

2025, at St. Nicholas Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Visitors may arrive beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the service to follow at 11:00 a.m.