Vincent Salvatore Plagenza

November 3, 1931-October 30, 2011

Vincent Plagenza was born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 3, 1931 to Salvatore and Lina Plagenza. He passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, on October 30, 2011 at the age of 79, with his wife Brenda by his side.

Vincent lived the majority of his life in the Merced area. He had a brief Army career, which was ended when he received disabling wounds to his leg in the Korean Conflict, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. After his military discharge, he worked various jobs, and then went to work for Southern Pacific Railroad, where he was employed for 44 years.

He married his wife Brenda in 1976. Along with their daughter Amy, they enjoyed taking many trips to Monterey and Lake Tahoe, where Vince loved to sit and play at the dice tables. He was an active member of the Italian American Lodge, and enjoyed playing poker with his Lodge brothers. He was also the Lodge horseshoe champ at their annual Family Picnic.

At home, Vince worked on his ranch; he had a bountiful vegetable garden, and many fruit trees. He was always busy growing and repairing things. He was the best all around “fix it” man for the entire family.

Vince is survived by his wife of 35 years, Brenda; his daughters Amy Plagenza of Atwater, Kathy Silva of Merced, and Nanette Stewart of Alameda; his son Stephen Plagenza of Madera; as well as his stepchildren David Derby and Laura Helmick. He will be dearly missed by his loving grandchildren; Gabriella Lucas, Kristi Kingston, Vince Silva, and Ashley Stewart, along with 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Margaret Spinardi, and brothers Joe and Frank Plagenza.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 3, 2011 from 2:00pm-7:00pm at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Services will be on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 11:00am at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home with burial following at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Hinds Hospice at 410 W. Main St., Suite A, Merced, CA 95340.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.