Clark Walter Plucinski

Clark Walter Plucinski, 75, of Laytonsville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on June 16, 1950, in Washington, D.C., Clark was a lifelong resident of the area—and a lifelong source of laughter, generosity, and love to all who knew him.

He is now reunited in Heaven with his parents, Clarence Walter “Dutch” and Julia Rinker Plucinski; his siblings, John McKenzie, Mary Murphy, and Judy Harris; and his brother-in-law, Bill Harris.

Family was always the center of Clark’s world. His greatest joy came from gathering loved ones around the dinner table for his celebrated meals. Sunday dinners—filled with his passion for cooking, his elaborate stories, his booming laugh, and music—became a beloved tradition and the heartbeat of his home. He had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome, with his infectious smile, larger-than-life personality, unwavering devotion to others, and his ability to turn ordinary moments into cherished memories.

After proudly serving in the U.S. Navy and receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1973, Clark earned his associate degree from Montgomery College and began what would become a remarkable 50-year career in the automotive collision repair industry. He co-owned and served as President of BCP Auto Body, Inc.; co-founded and served as Executive Vice President of True2Form Collision Repairs, helping build a multi-state network of repair facilities; later served as Executive Director of the Collision Repair Education Foundation; and ultimately served as Chair of the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA).

To Clark, his work was never just a job—it was a calling. He mentored countless professionals, sharing his expertise, integrity, and unwavering belief in doing things the right way. He served on numerous industry boards, including I-CAR, the I-CAR Collision Repair Education Foundation, CAPA, the ASA Collision Division Committee, and the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association. Over the course of his career, he received many of the profession’s highest honors, including the I-CAR Founders Award, the I-CAR Chairman’s Award, the ASA Special Achievement Award, recognition as BodyShop Business’ Executive of the Year, and induction into the Hall of Eagles.

Yet those closest to Clark will remember not only what he achieved, but how he lived—with loyalty, humor, humility, kindness, and heart. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. His warmth and generosity left a lasting imprint, and his love for his family remains his greatest legacy.

Clark is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen; his daughter, Kellie; his son, Craig, and daughter-in-law, Lizzie; and his beloved grandchildren, Miller and Cameron. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kristie Hughes; brothers-in-law, Jeff Hughes, Knowles “Les” Jones, Kenney Jones, and Guy Poirier (Gail); many nieces and nephews; grand pups Piper, Roy and his business partner and close friend of 50 years, Rick Paukstitus.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Rockville, MD, with a reception to follow from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Manor Country Club in Rockville, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Collision Repair Education Foundation, https://collisionrepaireducationfoundation.org/donate-now/ or All For Recovery, https://allforrecovery.networkforgood.com/projects/247990-all-for-recovery-donation. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, colleagues, and friends who supported Clark with such compassion throughout his journey.