Walter Francis Plucenik

Walter “Nick” Plucenik has been reunited with his wife Margie in heaven. He left this earth peacefully on August 27, 2023 while at “Hospice by the Sea”/ Trustbridge in Boca Raton, Florida. He was surrounded and comforted by his children, grandchildren and friends during his final days.

Nick was born in Scranton, Pennslvania in 1935 to Walter and Emilie Plucienik. He had one brother, Casimir Plucienik. He married Margie, the love of his life, in 1957. They lived in Bridgeport, Connecticut for a short time and then moved back to Scranton, Pennsylvania. In 1968, Nick moved his family to Old Forge, Pennsylvania where they raised their three children. Upon retirement, Nick and Margie moved to Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania.

Nick was a loving father who leaves behind three children, Emilee Foster, son-in-law William “Bill” Foster, John Plucenik, daughter-in-law Petra Plucenik and Catherine Romano, son-in-law, the late Dr. Peter Romano. He also leaves behind a cherished friend, Robert “Bobby” Mills, who he considered a “son”. Family was the most important thing to Walter and he was proud of his children and grandchildren as well as his nieces and nephews. Nick always said he hoped to live long enough to see his grandchildren grow up and to watch as they became successful, educated adults. He couldn’t wait to see the journeys that every one of them had chosen for themselves. He cherished spending time with his grandchildren and he was proud of each of them including Emilee’s twins, Alexander and Danielle, John’s children, John Jr., Danny, Drena, Joshua and Rachael and Catherine’s children, Sofia, Isabella and Nicolo.

Nick was a skilled Tool and Die Maker who learned his trade through academic coursework at Keystone College in Pennsylvania and with an apprenticeship and job training in Pennsylvania and Connecticut. He eventually opened his own business and machine shop, Apollo Tool and Die in Exeter, Pennsylvania. Through tireless hours, his business was very successful. Nick was able to retire at the age of 55 to enjoy his life with his wife and family.

Nick enjoyed life to the fullest! He became a “snow bird” for approximately 30 years so he and Margie could be near his daughter Catherine and her family who lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He eventually bought a home in Delray Beach, Florida where he spent over 25 winters. He eventually became a full-time -resident in 2019.

Nick was an outdoorsman who loved nature. He took pride in his home in Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania where he spent time making sure his lawn and gardens were “picture worthy”. Nick and Margie were also close to their neighbors and valued their friendship. They loved all animals and throughout their life had many cats and dogs. While living in the country they enjoyed visits from their neighbor’s dogs as well as many stray cats. The animals knew where to come for safety, love and food. Nick and Margie also loved their hummingbirds.

Nick had many interests and hobbies including fishing and golfing. He was very good at both. He also loved horses and the race track. He was the proud owner of two harness race horses who raced at Pocono Downs, Pennsylvania. He played football in high school and that remained one of his favorite sports throughout his life. Nick enjoyed football season and especially enjoyed cheering for Penn State where his son and grandchildren, John Jr. and Rachael went to college. He also took an interest in rooting for the Florida Gators since his granddaughters, Sofia and Isabella attended the University of Florida. Nick also loved spending time with his friends who he would meet for lunch weekly. But his true love was for his wife Margie and his family. He selflessly became her caretaker during her final years when her Alzheimer’s disease worsened. Spending time with family was happiness for Walter!

A “Celebration of Life” memorial is being planned and will take place in Old Forge, Pennsylvania. The family will be celebrating both Nick and Margie’s life at Arcaro and Genell’s Restaurant on November 25, 2023 from 1-4pm. Because of his love for animals, memorial contributions can be made to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter in South Abington Township, Pennsylvania.