Lawrence "Larry" Plotkin

went to his peace and rest on Dec. 26, 2010. Larry was born on Aug. 3, 1926 to Rueben and Anna Plotkin in Milwaukee, WI, the second of five children. During his last days, Larry was continually surrounded by family and friends, not the least of which was his beloved wife of 40 years, Maria Ildy Plotkin. Services will be held in the Woodlawn chapel at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010, Woodlawn Cemetery, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, Florida 34734. (phone 407-2931361). At a very early age, Larry went to work for his father in the family's coal/ice delivery and residential fuel oil heating business. From that moment on, he worked his entire life to provide for his Family, first for his parents and siblings and later for his wife, children and grandchildren. After his father died, Larry took over the family business giving the opportunity for his whole family to have a job and provide for their needs. During the next 40 plus years, Larry and his wife, Ildy, developed the company into one of the largest privately owned companies in Wisconsin. As President and CEO of "American Fuel & Supply Company, (AFSCO)", Larry expanded the business into some 38 states with numerous warehouses and distribution centers specializing in motor oil and automotive merchandising He often hired new immigrants and less gifted individuals which other companies were reluctant to hire. Larry only required that you were honest, willing to work hard and wanted to learn and he would give you a chance. After selling AFSCO in 1987, Larry and Ildy moved to the Orlando, FL area where they planned to "take it easy," however, they were not ready to retire yet. They went into commercial real estate sales with "Corporate Investment International" in Orlando for the next 10 years. This is where Larry met his dear friend and business partner, George Pappas of Orlando. During his business years, Larry won numerous business awards and contributed greatly to various charitable organizations, Larry helped many family members and friends, not only monetarily, but with timely advise on life itself. He was a loving husband and father, always thought of others before himself. After finally retiring, Larry and Ildy enjoyed world travel, their favorite places to travel were Europe and surrounding countries, visiting also South America, Africa and the Far East. Their travel program was based on seeing, learning and enjoying other countries' culture and lifestyle. They enjoyed concerts, classical music, art, and operas all over the world. As in life and work, Larry put 100% into all he did. When told of his cancer some five years ago, he was very upbeat and positive about recovery. No one fought harder against the disease, however sometimes God has his own time table and it was time for Larry to go home to the Lord. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben and Anna Plotkin; sister, Elaine Bannach of Chili, WI; brother, Eddie Plotkin of Portland, OR and son Andre Banyai of Orlando, FL. Larry is survived by his loving wife Ildy, son Michael and daughter-in-law Shari Plotkin of Dallas, TX; daughter Sharon and son-in-law Joe Hobbs of Dawson, TX; brother, Burton Plotkin and sister-in-law Dorothy "Dottie" of Fond du Lac, WI; Sheldon "Shelly" Plotkin and sister-in-law Barbara of Las Vegas, NV: daughter-in-law Gerieta Banyai and grandson Andras Banyai of Tulsa, OK; grandson Brit Banyai of Albuquerque, NM; granddaughter Ana Dini Plotkin of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Deann Davidhizar of Houston, TX; Dean Hobbs of San Antonio, TX; Wesley Hobbs of Houston, TX; Will Hobbs of Dallas, TX; nephew Neil Plotkin of Milwaukee, WI and a niece, Wendy Maxwell from Utah. There are also numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great grandchildren and friends. Legacy memory book will be opened by the family. In lieu of flowers, family would like donations be made to Perry Pavillion of Dr. Phillips Hospital, Orlando, FL Larry will be missed and loved forever.