Robert James Pleus Jr.

He has been married to be his beloved wife Marie “Terry” for 58 years and has 6 children, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

He attended St. James School, Orlando High School, and graduated from St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 1957. Upon graduation from Notre Dame, he was commissioned an ensign in the Navy and served on active duty until his entry into the University of Florida College Of Law.

He graduated in 1962 and returned to his home in Orlando where he began the practice of law with his father’s former firm, known then as Rush Reed and Marshall. He later was a partner in Smathers, Tepper and Pleus; Carlton Fields; Pleus Adams and Spears, and was of council to Akerman Senterfitt. For 25 years he was general council to the Diocese of Orlando, serving five bishops.

In 2000, Judge Pleus was appointed by Governor Bush to the Fifth District Court of Appeal where he served as Chief Judge before his retirement. Following his retirement, Judge Pleus served as a senior judge.

In 2000, he was ordained a deacon and served as a permanent deacon at Holy Family Catholic Church.

His leadership in civic activities included serving as President of the Windermere Rotary Club, President of Tiger Bay Club of Orlando, President of the University Club of Orlando, President of the Committee 101, President of the Orange County Historical Society, President of the Notre Dame Club of Greater Orlando, President of the Sierra Club, past Grand Knight of Council 5150, and district deputy as well as a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus.

In the political arena, Bob served two years on the Windermere Town Council and for six years as the Mayor of Windermere. He was also President of the Tri-County League of Cities. Bob was active in bar activities as well, having served as President of the Orange County Bar and for eight years on the Florida Bar’s Board of Governors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Pleus family.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to Catholic Charities

Donate – Catholic Charities of Central Florida (cflcc.org)