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Peter Plungas Obituary
Pete was a devoted husband to his wife, Elayne, with whom he shared 54 beautiful years of marriage. He was a wonderful father to his five children and adored his 10 grandchildren: Kristen Bartzen (Josh) and PJ, Tate, Charlie and Cole; Lauren Perlstein (Ted) and Violet and Sam; Ryan Plungas (Patricia) and Noah and Ben; David Plungas (Traci) and Viola and Isla; and Julia Plungas (fiance, Joey Deitrick). He is also survived by his brother, Gary (Josie), as well as many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Rita, and brother, Paul.
If you knew Pete, you knew a man of quiet strength and remarkable kindness. He loved reminiscing about his childhood in Mayfield Heights with his two brothers, sharing stories that reflected a life rooted in loyalty and family. A talented athlete and gifted student, Pete excelled in track and field and basketball during his high school years at Cathedral Latin. He went on to attend Cleveland State University, earning a bachelor's degree in engineering science physics and master's degree in business. He began his career in engineering before transitioning into a successful career as a financial advisor.
Athletics remained a lifelong passion for Pete. A record-setting track star in the 440-meter dash, he participated in the 1968 Olympic trials-an achievement he carried with humility and pride.
Pete cherished life's simple joys-especially Elayne's cooking-and gave generously of his time as a devoted basketball coach to his two sons. His faith was equally central to who he was. A dedicated member of St. Gabriel Parish, he helped found the parish softball team, which he proudly played on for 25 years.
At home, Pete's love of family shone through treasured traditions: dancing to "We Are Family"; his famous Sunday spaghetti dinners; and holiday favorites of kielbasa and sauerkraut, always ending with the Plungas-famous mouse-e.
Pete was loved by everyone who met him. His positive attitude shone through every interaction and carried him with grace through a courageous 21-year battle with cancer. Above all, Pete was a content man-one who truly believed that life was, in his words, simply "wonderful."
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his love, his strength and the family legacy he leaves behind.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 AM Friday, January 30, 2026 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Rd., Concord Twp.
The family will receive friends from 10-11:30 AM Friday, prior to the mass at the church.
Family suggests in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, www.pcf.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Plungas
Sponsored by The Family.
Meyer & Gloria Perlstein
January 30, 2026
With love. Remembering the good times we spent together. RIP dear Pete
Brenda Humphris (Uronis) and family
January 29, 2026
Sending you and your family prayers and condolences. We are so sorry for your loss. My parents always enjoyed spending time with you! I will always remember his smiling face! His smile was infectious!
Al and Joan Uronis
January 28, 2026
Al and I send our deepest condolences to you, Elayne, and the family. So many memories have been shared with Pete throughout the many years we have known him. Pete was a gentle soul and true gentleman. He will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in peace dear friend.
Jim Keegan
January 27, 2026
Pete and I went to St Clare 8 years and for two years to Cathedral Latin together
For 9th and 10th grade we would hitch hike to and from Latin, didn't matter the weather, we met every morning at Ranchland & Mayfield to do our hitchhiking, developing a group of regulars that would pick us up, including from the Cleveland Browns, Frank Ryan, Bill Glass, Gary Collins and others who I can't remember at this time!
I believe we went to most of the Latin games together played at John Adams Field.
I had not seen PAP since 1965 after our sophomore year, when a few years ago I received a call from a person who called me, when I answered, the person asked if I wanted to Hitch Hike to Latin,I couldn't help but laugh and spoke "How in the world are you PAP!
We met for lunch and reminisced for a few hours, interspersed with lots of laughter
During that conversation, he asked do you remember Elayne, I did, we had gone to her house for a party way back in "64" or "65"
He stated "that's who I married" he stated with that great smile!
Sadly, that would be the last time I would see or speak to my friend from long ago.
PAP never mentioned he had cancer; he spoke glowingly of his family and his life!
As someone who knew PAP and his brothers and parents, I can assure you all the good things stated about PAP are true, A man of Integrity, Charm, and
Faith, and Joy of Life! May God Bless the Plungas family and rejoice that PAP is home!
Fairwell my old friend, until we meet again!
How you can show support
Coach Forrai
January 27, 2026
Ryan and Dave, so sorry to learn of the passing of your father Pete. As you know the coach / parent dynamic can be tricky, but your father was always gracious in our interactions, a class act and very proud of you both. While your loss is great, I pray that you lean hard into your faith and know that heaven rejoices as Pete enters into the loving hands of his Lord and Saviour.
Coach Forrai
Jim Sammon
January 26, 2026
My deepest condolences to you, Elayne, your sons and daughters, and the 'brood'. I remember so many times with Pete at Latin. But one special time happened a few years after Latin, late "75 (I believe). Pete and you, Elayne, came out to California and on your trip up the coast (maybe down the coast) you stopped in Santa Barbara for the day, where I had just moved. To make a long story short, we easily got together and felt the warmth of friendship that never leaves.
To all the Plungas family and friends, as the Irish proverb says, Pete "May the road rise up to meet you," ...and until you-all meet again, "May God hold you in the palm of 'his' hand."
With family and friends is great love and strength.
Jim Sammon
Joe Garbo
January 26, 2026
Elayne & Family,
My deepest sympathy. I will miss Pete and our long conversations on sports and family. Pete will always be remembered for his gentle spirit, inner strength and positivity.....last but not least, a great man!
Alan Barnhart
January 26, 2026
I was a colleague of Pete's at Key Investments, Inc. (KeyCorp). I will always remember his warm smile and gracious manner. A true professional and gentleman. May he Rest-In-Peace.
Vince Radzimski
January 24, 2026
Good times with Pete during our Latin days. Years later I worked with his brother Paul. RIP my friend.
CL '67
Aron Hajde
January 24, 2026
I remember running with Pete on the track team at Latin. He was an amazing runner that often just took off at the last turn to fly by his competitors. I was honored to run on the team with Pete. Unfortunately, after graduation, my college and career choice sent me on a path that I didn´t see him again. But I will always remember him. My condolences to his family and I will pray for you during this difficult time. May he rest in Peace. CL `67
Vince Radzimski
January 24, 2026
Good times with Pete during our Latin days. RIP my friend.
CL '67
Carlene and BernieRagle
January 24, 2026
Dear Elayne and family,
We are so sorry for your loss of your dear, sweet husband and father.
He was a dear, kind, gentle soul, loved by all who had the honor of knowing him. We know he is resting the palm of Gods' hand.
Love and prayers, Carlene and Bernie Ragle
Dale Zabukovec
January 24, 2026
Pete, You will be remembered as a brother of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity and a good friend. Sincerely Dale Zabukovec
Al and Donna Porath
January 24, 2026
Our love and prayers to Elayne and the kids,nothing but great memories, all the way back to St Clare and CL. Pete ran with heart, we will always love you Pete. Rest in Peace
Marianne & John Gaydos
January 24, 2026
Well done our good and faithful servant. Rest well Until we meet again dear friend
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
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Cleveland, OH
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