Ralph E. Plant Jr (August 10, 1932 - October 15, 2022)

In loving memory of
Ralph E. Plant Jr
  • August 10, 1932
  • -
  • October 15, 2022

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Obituary

On Saturday October 15, 2022 Ralph E. Plant Jr. passed away peacefully at home in the loving presence of his family. Earning a Bachelor’s of Science from SUNY Oswego in Education and Industrial Arts, Master’s of Arts from Columbia University and Doctorate of Education from Cornell University he specialized in Management Development which he taught at IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY for 25 years. After retiring Ralph began his own Management Training Business primarily serving the Healthcare Industry and also taught management skills at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY where he particularly enjoyed working with students and eating the delicious faculty lunches (if you knew Ralph you know how much he loved good food). Ralph was also very proud to have served in the US Army Security Agency from 1954-1957 and will be receiving full Veteran’s honors at his burial.

Ralph met his beloved wife of 61 years, Beverly Dowd Plant (1931-2021), at SUNY Oswego, where they were coincidentally both teaching at the same time after having completed their respective Master’s degrees. They bonded over prime rib dinners which Ralph happily cooked for Beverly. They used to joke that he found the way to her heart through her stomach. They continued to cook together over the years frequently inviting neighbors and friends to join family and holiday dinners. They shared a love of boating and travel and enjoyed many adventurous cruises together. Their leisure time was nearly always spent with their children boating on the Hudson River or vacationing on Lake Bomoseen in Vermont.

They dreamed about living near the beach one day and got their wish when they moved to New Smyrna Beach, FL in 1997. They quickly settled into the community surrounded by wonderful new friends and neighbors. Ralph joined the Kiwanis Club and began a photography business selling greeting cards bearing his exquisite photos of local flora and wildlife. He, with Beverly at his side, had lots of fun selling T shirts at Gilly’s Pub during the annual Bike Week celebration and taking long drives on the beach. They both very joyfully spent the past 25 years of their lives in this idyllic, supportive and loving community.

An avid boat, car and train enthusiast, skilled woodworker and talented photographer, Ralph’s multifaceted creativity had plenty of places to thrive. Whatever was broken Ralph had no shortage of tools and ingenuity with which to fix it. He loved working on cars and building furniture for the house including a multitude of tables, lamps dressers and desks.

Ralph and Beverly are survived by their devoted children Robin Katz and Robert Plant and his wife Lesley, along with five adoring grandchildren Alex, Matthew, Mia, Ty and Noah who are all deeply grateful for their many precious and treasured memories of them both.

The magic of Ralph — his charming charisma and generosity of spirit — was legendary and will be sorely missed. It seems appropriate to close with a fond farewell Ralph used frequently throughout his life — “Keep The Faith” — which he always delivered with a big sincere smile.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Halifax Health Hospice at www.HalifaxHealth.org/giving


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  1. Lorinda Ash says:
    01 Nov 2022
    Robin our love and friendship are here for you as you mourn the passing of your beloved father, only one year after your mother passed. They were truly symbiotic and he has gone to join her in heaven and your memories. Sending deepest condolences to you, your brother and family. LorindaBill, Matthew and Addie

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