• Richard E. Ploof, Sr

Richard E. Ploof, Sr, 89, of 329 Lime Kiln Road in South Burlington died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.

He was born in Burlington on June 22, 1926, the son of Raymond Joseph Ploof and Dorothy (Gelinas) Ploof. He was a graduate of Cathedral High School class of 1944 and served his country during World War II in the US Army. He was also an active member of the Vermont National Guard. He was married to Mary Cecelia Randall who predeceased him in 1994. On September 5, 1998 he married Barbara Ann (Randall) Gray. He worked for the US Postal Service as a mail Carrier and Assistant Post Master, retiring in 1984.

Throughout his life he was an active member of the community and church. He was a Eucharistic Minister and he made nine Cursillos. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels and he traveled extensively throughout his life. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his great faith, his strong work ethic and his sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Ann Ploof of South Burlington; his nine children and their spouses, Dick Ploof, Jr. & wife Robin of Burlington, Diana Charboneau & husband Ron of Burlington, Deborah Moore & husband Thomas of Underhill Center, Dan Ploof & wife Amanda Bump of Newport, VT, Mary Marceau & partner Bob Walsh of Proctor, VT, Melany Ploof & partner Marko Odom of Chesapeake, VA, Matthew Ploof & wife Darcy of Wellington, FL, Christina Moulder & husband Rodney of Naples, FL and Jeff Ploof & wife Tracy of Rutland; seven step-children and their spouses, Sherry May & her partner Bob Lefebvre of Waterbury Center, Bernard Gray, Jr. & wife Vickie of Barre, VT, Sheila Reed & husband Terry of Duxbury, VT, Bob Gray of Plainfield, VT, Ron Gray & wife Sheila of Barre and Susan Gray of Waterbury, VT; 36 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters Ray Ploof, Pam Gagnon, Marjorie Limacher, Sr. Lucy Ploof, RSM, Patrick Ploof, Charles Ploof, Edward Ploof; and many, many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Cecelia Ploof in 1994 and by a daughter, Martha Ryan in 2014. He was also predeceased by brothers and sisters Catherine Couillard, Leo Ploof, Calvin Ploof, James Ploof, Oliver Ploof, Phyllis Devoid and Helen Thayer.

Heartfelt thanks to the “Angel Staff” of McClure 5 at UVMC. They made his final hours very special. Also thanks to Rev. Msgr. Roland Rivard and to the late Rev. Msgr. Thomas Ball for their supportive friendship over the years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 11:00 an in St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church with burial to follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4 to 7 pm in the Ready Funeral & Cremation Service South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington. Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to the Knights of Columbus, PO Box 9214, South Burlington, VT 05407. To send online condolences, please visit www.readyfuneral.com.