Edward Plachecki

Edward Plachecki

March 27, 1940 - February 20, 2021
4133 E. Patrick St. Gilbert, Arizona 85295 United States Map It

Edward Plachecki

March 27, 1940 - February 20, 2021
4133 E. Patrick St. Gilbert, Arizona 85295 United States Map It

Obituary

  Ed Plachecki, in his words “fought the cancer as long as he could” but nevertheless passed away on February 20, 2021. His formal name, Edward William Plachecki Jr, was not a good reflection of his personality, neither formal nor pretentious, he wanted everyone to simply call him Ed, Dad or Grampy, and certainly not Junior. He only disliked more the nickname his late mother and father, Edward Sr and Ann (Noga), called him, a nickname not mentioned here out of respect for his wishes.

As a young man growing up on the South side of Chicago, Ed developed his need to help, protect, and provide for those close to him, including his late, younger brother Rick. There he met the love of his life, his surviving wife, Helen (Bastys) through her brother and his best friend. His tangy sense of humor initially didn’t sit well with Helen, but somehow, he won her over and she accepted his Christmas Eve proposal.

For 58 years they lived a married life raising four children, seven grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Ed’s love of Christmas was demonstrated early in his family life when he made animated yard decorations out of wood for his children, Vince, Ann-Marie, Tom and Laura, but appreciated by the whole town. As a provider, Ed was always there to help with a handkerchief, his Chapstick, or his pocket-knife. He had the ability to whistle loudly enough that he could call his kids home for dinner from blocks away simply by whistling. His whistle was one of the first things the cancer took, but it will not prevent him from whistling for his youngest daughter, Laura, who is waiting for him in Heaven.

Ed was a meticulous organizer and planner and anyone who saw his perfect block letter handwriting is not surprised that he made a living first as a Draftsman and then a Mechanical Designer, for 33 years with Motorola. It was Motorola that brought him and his young family from Chicago to Arizona. His career allowed him to harness his desires to organize, plan and build stuff, but it also fed his urge to create lists – Ed was a notorious list maker. Everyday at work, Ed would set his watch to the precise time required by the lab equipment. He protected his Timex watch by wearing it backward on his wrist and holding up high over his head, whenever, the bulls**t started to pile up around him.

Upon retirement, Ed setup the woodshop of his dreams, mostly to recreate and build upon his ever-expanding collection of animated wooden Christmas decorations, which he had previous put on hold as he provided for his family. He loved seeing the joy that his Christmas decorations brought to the neighborhood, especially the small children. Ed would help anyone with any project – as long as it could be made out of wood. He loved “making sawdust” by himself or as an excuse to spend time with his kids and grandkids.

When not in his garage woodshop, Ed loved to watch sports on TV. He was a lifelong Cubs and Bears fan and adopted the Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals in Arizona. Joyfully, he was able to see most of his teams win the big game, including attending in person, game seven of the Diamondback’s World Series win.

Ed’s ceremony will be privately held for just the immediate family at A Wise Choice in Mesa, AZ.
For friends and extended family, an event to celebrate the nearly 81 years of Ed’s life is planned for Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Discovery Park in Gilbert, AZ from 11:30am to 2:30pm.

Ed would not want you sending flowers, but he would appreciate your help in fighting cancer for everyone and donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

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2 responses to Edward Plachecki

  1. Rest in peace Ed
    We will miss you

  2. Tim Klatt says:

    Condolences from the Klatt family.

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