Albert (Al) Riley Platos, 86, passed away peacefully Tuesday March 18, 2014 at St. Anne Home in Greensburg, PA. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, he was born January 16, 1928 in Brownsville, PA. He was a graduate of Brownsville High School in 1946.
Al joined the US Army in 1950 and served as a Corporal in the 168th Military Police Battalion during the Korean Conflict. While stationed at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky, he met a pretty nursing student, Dolores (Jean). They married in Evansville, IN on March 21, 1952. They made Greensburg their home in 1963.
Al and Jean were blessed with five children. Kent (Karen) Platos of Greensburg; Scott (Kathleen) Platos of Ligonier; Kim Platos of Greensburg; Jeannie (Van) Platos-Johnson of Woodbridge, VA; and Stacey (Michael) Driscoll of Charlotte, NC. They have 9 grandchildren Nicole Platos (Oscar Blazquez) of Valladolid, Spain; Michelle (Jeff) Byrd of Myrtle Beach, SC; Stephen (Angie) Platos of Export; Renee Johnson of Woodbridge, VA ; Michael Johnson of Mooresville, NC; Devin, McKenna and Kelsey Driscoll of Charlotte, NC. The family legacy continues with great-grandchildren Makenzi Byrd, Tyler Byrd, Madison Platos, Olivia Blazquez Platos and Baby Blazquez Platos due Sept 2014.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, Adda (Williams) and John C. Platos, and a brother, John Platos. Surviving are a sister-in-law, Loretta Platos of Brownsville; Charlene and Homer Christensen of Arlington, VA; and Winston and Shirley Foerster of Evansville, IN.
Al was an Owner/Agent for Allstate Insurance Corporation for 42 years, retiring in 2001. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Greensburg for over 50 years and served faithfully on many boards and committees. He belonged to the East Hempfield Lions Club for more than 60 years. He was a champion in partnering the Lions Club with Camp Cadet. He was a very active member and fundraiser for the Aerobic Center at Lynch Field. In 1976, Al walked from his Greensburg home, 300 miles to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to raise money for Westmoreland Mutual Aid Ambulance Service. In addition, he enthusiastically volunteered for fundraisers which benefitted multiple organizations.
Al was known for his smile, sense of humor and love for a long winded joke. He loved his family more than anything this world could offer him. And, as a man of faith, a believer in all that God has promised, his family is comforted knowing they will one day be reunited.
Friends and family will be received at KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, Friday March 21, the date that would have been Al and Jean's 62nd anniversary. Hours of viewing will be from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, March 22 at 10:00 am at the First United Methodist Church of Greensburg until the time of services at 11am. A celebration of family and friends will follow in the church Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Hempfield Lions Club, the Westmoreland County Food Bank, or a charity of one's choice. In honoring Al's wishes and keeping with his unique sense of humor, a "winner must be present" raffle will be held during the family and friends time.
Terence L. Graft, funeral director, entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences and information, please visit www.kepplegraft.com.