Charles R. "Bob" Pletzner

C. Robert (“Bob”) Pletzner of Venice, FL passed away peacefully at home on January 8, 2017, with his wife by his side. Bob was born December 28, 1927 in Newark, NJ. His parents, Charles and Mildred (nee Young) Pletzner, and his younger brother, William (“Billy”) Pletzner, all pre-deceased him. Bob was raised on 10th St. in Newark, NJ, where he attended Weequahic High School. He played on the varsity basketball team and graduated as Valedictorian of his class, at age 16. He then went on to graduate from Newark College of Engineering, now NJ IT, where he also played basketball. For over 40 years, Bob proudly and loyally called Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, his employer, commuting to 10 Rockefeller Center, New York City, until he retired at the age of 61. Bob was an amazing father, loyal and trustworthy friend and devoted husband. He loved dogs and was often referred to as the “Dog Whisperer”. Music was a large part of Bob’s life. He played guitar, sang in the church choir and later taught himself to play the keyboards. Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald and Ann Murray were among his favorite singers. A big sports enthusiast, Bob was a loyal NY Yankees and NY Giants fan! He was a skilled golfer and an avid swimmer, who loved the NJ Shore. Many of his best days of his long retirement years were spent with his wife, Hope and his brother, Billy watching Spring training games, enjoying a hotdog and salted pretzel. Bob was a huge cookie fanatic, that was a long term, very grateful, blessed and Friend of Bill W’s, who enjoyed sharing the “program”. Bob is survived by his faithful wife and companion of 47 years, Hope Baxter. As a couple, they were affectionately known as “Bob Hope” in all of their social circles. Bob’s also survived by his daughters, Suzan Cordasco (and husband Jerry) and Lauren Pletzner (and husband Dan Davidson and 2 grandsons, Jacob and Michael), and by his son, David Pletzner, along with their mother, Edith (“Edie”). Bob also leaves behind his extended family of Hope’s six children, Linda Ping, Dawn Morbee, Robin Ofeldt, Merry Van Dyke, William and Keith Sutton, and their spouses and 18 grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and long remembered.