Patricia Bradshaw Pleck who was the love of his life for 57 years, and his son John Howard Pleck. John went to Northwestern University and upon graduation, he served in the United States Navy achieving the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer. John started his Trucking career in 1959 and after 57 years working in the industry with various freight companies, his last truck stop was with Rogers Dedicated where he served as President and retired at the young age of 85.
Upon retirement, and after the loss of his wife Pat, John fully immersed himself in the St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church community where he served on several committees, to include, but not limited to: Nocturnal Adoration (since 1970), Good Griefers, New Life, Pastoral Council, Serra Club, Catholic War Veterans, Creative Care Team, Bridge Club, and was a faithful, proud Saturday Vigil Mass Door Greeter.
John never met a stranger, forgot a name or a face, and remembered all the things. He was a natural leader, master coordinator and loved bringing people together in every setting. John had an ever growing prayer list that he kept at the ready, and if you were on it, be assured of his diligent, fervent prayers for you. He loved his family, his church and his friends and he will be missed by many people from all walks of life.
He is survived by his wonderful children, Marianne Zondlak (Tom), Carolyn Handley (Steve), Dede Pleck, Tom Pleck (Dawn), and David Pleck; magnificent grandchildren, Kevin, Will, and Nick Zondlak; Greg (Stephanie), Matthew (Devin), and Elizabeth Blackwell (Trevor); Brandon Priegel, Juliana and Alaina Pleck; and precious greatgrandchildren, Conner Priegel, Eli Priegel, Beau, Tessa, and Emma Handley, Callan Handley, and Brooks Blackwell.
He is also survived by his siblings, Margo Grosspietsch and Joe Pleck (Liz); sister-in-law Mary Kay Pleck, wife of his late brother Mike; brother-in-law Ralph Bradshaw and his wife Melanie; sister-in law Maureen Bradshaw and late brother-in law Chuck Bradshaw, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, that John always kept in his heart and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in John’s memory to St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church.The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a Rosary Service from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. at H.M. Patterson & Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 7171Glenridge Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, with The Rev. Msgr. Joe Corbett as celebrant.
A reception will immediately follow the Mass at The Stapleton Center at St. Jude.
Interment with Military Honors will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Georgia National Cemetery.
