Frank Joseph Plesko

With Loving Memories Plesko, Frank Joseph "To live on in the hearts of those left behind is not to die." Life is so unpredictable as we all know and change is inevitable, from a subtle nudge to our entire world being turned upside down. The unnecessary and extremely wasteful events of the last years are now over. Finally the proper time has come to honor, to celebrate and above all, to express my gratitude, my appreciation and my love to the man who's unselfish and just heart and unwavering presence in my life was evermore steadfast and true..... my Dad. Born December 19, 1917 in Gary, Indiana to parents Andrew and Hattie, Dad was the youngest of three sons. Brothers Edward and William came first. As a member of the Greatest Generation, he proudly served in the South Pacific during WWII with the 13th Air Force, 29th Air Service Group. Dad always underplayed his service stating, " I had a job to do and I just did it." In reality, it was much more than that. I have and always will be proud and honored to salute him as I do all our troops... past, present and future. Dad was an uncomplicated, unassuming and prudent man. He always gave credit to his beloved and cherished mother for shaping his common sense approach for navigating through life. How many times did I hear, "Your grandma always said....." His smarts were not defined by prestigious degrees hanging on the wall nor titles or abbreviations embellishing his name. Dad's wisdom was a blend of logical, practical and plain common sense thinking combined with his lifelong quest for self knowledge on a myriad of subjects and interests. Now, many of the interests that enrich my life echo those of my Dad's, past on to me through his teachings, preachings and more often than not, by his example and the simple gifts of his time and most importantly, of himself. Dad, you have always been the cornerstone of my life. you guided me with support and encouragement on the pathway toward becoming an independent, self reliant and responsible human being. By your example, a strong work ethic and knowing the value of a dollar were instilled in me, creating the indestructible foundation that has and will sustain me the rest of my life. You certainly did not give me everything I wanted but you definitely made sure I had everything I needed. Thank you, Dad, thank you for the sacrifices you made in your life to make so many things better in mine. Thank you for your invaluable advice, gentle guidance and wise counsel as well as, most significantly, your ever present unconditional love. You held the ladder that reached to my stars, always there to catch me should I fall. Because of this, I soar. I learned not to fear the storm but rather to dance among the raindrops and to always remember that I am stronger than I seem, smarter than I think and braver than I believe......all, thanks to you. In the quiet stillness of the early morning hours of March 18, 2011, Dad's time on earth ended, calmly, peacefully. To be there at his side was a blessing for which I will be forever grateful. Dad, you will never become just a memory. You are and always will be a strong, steady and beautiful presence in my everyday life. Undeniably, my Guardian Angel. You are forever missed and eternally loved by your " daughter by chance, best friend by choice," Cathy