Richard T. Plichta

Richard (Rick) T. Plichta, Sr., 91, of Manchester, NH passed away July 31,2023 at the Arbors in Bedford, NH after a period of declining health.

Rick was born in Wyandotte, MI on July 22, 1932, to John Thomas Plichta and Barbara (Babrowski) Weakley.

In addition to his parents, Rick was predeceased by his wife, Lorraine A. Plichta (Gelinas); his brother James Plichta and his wife Anita, and his stepsister Linda (Weakley) Doan.

He is survived by his 9 children, Barbara (Plichta) Viorritto and her husband, Tony, of Snellville, GA; Gerianne Plichta of Warner Robins, GA; Jennifer (Plichta) Nagele and her husband Brent, of Manchester, NH; Richard T. Plichta, Jr. and his wife Penny, of Manchester, NH; Charlene (Plichta) Belanger of Manchester, NH; Theodore Plichta and his wife Carol (Belanger) of Bellevue, NE; Catherine (Plichta) Upham of Manchester, NH; Daniel Plichta and his wife Michele of Franklin, NH; and Christina (Plichta) Lamper of Manchester, NH. He had 20 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Rick served in the US Navy from July 25, 1950, to December 16, 1970, now HMC (Ret). He served first as an Aviation Electronics technician and then as Hospital Corpman. He served on a variety of US Navy vessels, air squadrons and shore facilities. He has the unique distinction of being qualified as a nuclear power engineer serving on “Operation Deep Freeze” in Antarctica and the US Navy Nuclear Power Program at Fort Belvoir, VA. His service also included combat tours in Korea; European Cold War; and the Republic of Vietnam with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. On retirement, he was recognized for performance of the highest order and his admirable service with the forces in the Republic of Vietnam. He served with honor, commended for a distinguished Navy career.

Rick was employed by BC/BS of NH & VT as Federal Programs Coordinator. He worked for the New Hampshire Health Department, City of Manchester, interpreting and enforcing federal, state, and municipal codes. He also worked for a time as a Court Bailiff for the Hillsborough County Court System.

He was a devoted husband and father of 9 children. He was a coach for Southwest Little League and Colt League baseball. He served as on-call medic at many West High School sports events. He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish, served as Eucharistic Minister, and trained Altar servers. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight and Navigator. He was involved with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and School Music Supporters. He was also active as a Board Member of Spaulding Memorial Credit Union, Religious Education Teacher, and Hunter Safety Instructor. He was an affiliate of the American Legion, Sweeney Post, Pointers Fish and Game Club, Fleet Reserve Association, National Rifle Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Catholic Charities of N.H; https://www.cc-nh.org/ways-to-give/donate/.

SERVICES: A Funeral Mass will be held on August 10, 2023, at 12:00 pm at Sacred Heart Church, 265 South Main Street, Manchester, NH. Interment will immediately follow at 2:00pm at the New Hampshire State Veteran’s Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH.