Gerald M. Plessner of Pasadena, Calif., much loved brother of Doris Gilgus, Overland Park, died in Pasadena on May 20, 2012.
He was born in St. Louis on Oct. 10, 1934, to Herman and Rose (Wolff) Plessner. Gerald graduated from Missouri Valley College, Marshall, Mo., with a bachelor’s degree in humanics. He had been an active member of BSA Explorer Troop 87 of United Hebrew Congregation in Clayton, Mo., through his teens. It was there, amongst many friends and excellent Scout leaders that he discovered his love of Scouting.
Gerald was on the staff of Philmont Scout Ranch , Cimmaron, N.M., for three summers and attended many Jamborees. While at Missouri Valley, Gerald met the Honorable H. Roe Bartle, who himself had been a BSA Scout executive and the two became fast friends. Mayor Bartle was a friend and mentor to Gerald through his college and early professional years. Gerald’s first assignment upon graduation was St. Joseph, Mo. He then followed with assignments in St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Pa., North Miami Beach, Fla., Chicago and the San Gabriel Council of Pasadena.
Gerald served stateside in the U.S. Army Intelligence for two years. While home on leave, Gerald met Carole Renee Spirtas, a beautiful girl with a wonderful soul, who would become his real life partner when they were married in St. Louis on May 25, 1959. Carole preceeded Gerald in death on Sept. 20, 2007, as did their granddaughter, Melissa Beth Levitin, in 2008.
Survivors include his son, Mitchell Plessner and wife Gayle Shapiro Plessner, Westlake Village, Calif.; daughters, Janice Plessner and partner Emily Mazzetti, Mission Viejo, Calif., and Ellen Bartell and partner Jack Lorenz, Irvine, Calif. Gerald is also survived by his sister, Doris Gilgus, and her husband Zolan Gilgus, Overland Park.
Gerald is survived by nine grandchildren: Ari Plessner, Catherine “Kat” Plessner, Zachary Bartell, Paige Bartell, Rebecca Simon, Fred Simon, Sherwood Egbert, Matthew Egbert and Logan Kelleher all of Westlake Village. His is also survived by loving nieces and nephews, including Stephanie Gilgus Gatewood and husband Richard of Overland Park, Susan Gilgus Peavler and husband Tim of Spring Hill, Kan., nephew, Steve Gilgus and wife Jill of Leawood and Sherry Gilgus Worth and husband David of Overland Park.
Gerald is also survived by Arnold and Sandra Spirtas, brother and sister-in-law, and nephews, Joel Spirtas, Kevin Spirtas and Eric Spirtas and wife Janie, all of St. Louis.
Gerald served as president of congregations while he and Carole lived in North Miami Beach and Arcadia, Calif. He served numerous terms in each, always with the support and help from Carole. As a successful professional fundraiser, Gerald earned many accolades throughout his 17-year career with the Boy Scouts of America. Upon leaving the BSA he and Carole formed a company called Fundraisers, Inc., which allowed them to raise major funds for non-profit organizations by honoring notable members of many given industries. Gerald served on the national board of Alpha Phi Omega national service fraternity for many years and was acknowledged for mentoring those who later entered the fundraising field.
Gerald was a political columnist for the Pasadena Star News. He was regarded highly as a professional writer, always leaving his readers wondering to which party he belonged. Pasadena Star News Editor Steve Scauzillo said it best in his column at www.pasadenastarnews.com/opinions/ci.
Gerald was buried on May 23 at Mount Sinai, Hollywood Hills, Calif., in a service led by Rabbi Joshua Grater.