George C. Ploskas

George Ploska, age 72, of Melville, NY, passed away on 3/21/26. Born on February 20, 1954 he said he lived a very fulfilling life even though diagnosed with an incurable disease; MS at about 30 years old. He said he did it all, so we're happy he felt that way. Growing up in Jericho, he attended Jericho High School, participated and was highly respected on the football team every year. He started in elementary school learning how to play the bass fiddle which later became his focus and path to his career.

In his teens he played banjo and plectrum at the banjo club, and at many Hamptons house parties with a group that included his father and brother Paul. He also played banjo at high school plays with his brother Paul. Graduating from Ithaca College with a degree in Music, he proceeded in his 20's to obtain his Masters degree and taught many musical instruments to thousands of elementary and high school students for many years until MS disabilities forced him to retire. During his career he managed to arrange and lead his student orchestras to play at Carnegie Hall for a number of years, and created new music programs for the schools he taught in, all new programs that helped advance student learning.

During the years while his health allowed, George achieved many other goals including participation in Olympic windsurfing, waterskiing, boating, competing in triathlons, car collecting, playing in local orchestras and created his own rock band to play at gigs.

George traveled many parts of the world with orchestras playing professional lead bass fiddle. He skied most of the slopes in the northeast and even overseas in the Apls. He got married and had a daughter in between all that he did which included becoming a contractor to build his own house for his family.

George was always a family man with a strong bond we all shared. He loved his family intensely and was always available to provide support. He had many friends and had special relationships with many of the student's parents. He was always a very happy man and enjoyed all the good things life had to offer.

He is survived by his daughter Alexis, mother Theodora and late father George, brothers; Stephen (and wife Claudia) , Paul (and wife Ana) and Philip, nephew; George Paul, and many other cousins.

He will be thought of always, and missed dearly. We pray for his eternal life in heaven where we prayerfully will all meet someday.