South Glens Falls – Oliver N. “ Ollie” Ploof, 80, of South Glens Falls, passed away at home, Thursday, September 4, 2014, surrounded by his loving family after a hard fought battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born September 30, 1933, in Burlington, Vermont, he was the son of the late Raymond J. and Dorothy L. (Gelinas) Ploof.
Oliver graduated from Cathedral High School, and then attended St. Michael’s College in Burlington, Vermont. He enlisted in the US Army. On September 26, 1953, Oliver married Jacqueline B. Chicoine at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception.
He spent his entire career working for the Grand Union Co., starting as a young humble cheese cutter, working his way up the ladder to Vice President.
Oliver was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church where he held numerous positions in the church ministry and faith formation. He also volunteered for Caritas and was a ski instructor for the Adaptive Ski Program at Double H. Hole in the Woods.
Oliver was a quiet, unassuming and fervent supporter of the poor, the cold, the homeless, the hungry and the children of the world. He loved and deeply appreciated the natural beauty of God’s world. A hike in the woods with his dog, Duncan, skiing down the mountains with family and friends, Peter and Frank, a walk along an ocean beach, and the sunrise and sunsets viewed from his home with his wife by his side, gave him the most joy.
Besides his parents, Oliver was predeceased by his brothers, Leo Ploof and Calvin Ploof, Sr.., and his sisters, Helen Thayer, Phyllis Devoid and Catherine Couillard.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 60 years, Jacqueline B. Ploof; his children, Rod Ploof and his wife, Diane, Michelle P. Chevalier and her husband, Michael, Roxanne Benoit, Marie Colbert, and Mark J. Ploof and his wife, Kate; his grandchildren, Ryan Chevalier and his wife, Larissa, Amanda Ploof, Bradley Chevalier, Laura Landry and her husband, Keith, Mark Benoit, Alexandra Benoit, Abigail Ploof and Bowen Oliver Ploof; his siblings, Richard Ploof and his wife, Barbara, Raymond Ploof and his wife, Norma, Charles Ploof, Sr., James Ploof, Sr. and his wife, Beverly, Sister Lucy Ploof RSM, Edward Ploof and his wife, Doris, Pam Gagnon and her husband, Joseph, Marjorie Limacher and her husband, Arthur, Patrick Ploof and his wife, Violet; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Friends may call on Monday, September 8, 2014, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, September 9, 2014, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, on the park in Hudson Falls.
The Rite of Committal will take place at 1:30 p.m., at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Veterans Cemetery in the town of Stillwater.
Ollie’s family would like to acknowledge with hearts full of gratitude the care he received from Dr. Richard Farrell and his compassionate staff, and the gentle souls of Christine, Linda and Lisa for helping us care for him at home during the last months of his earthly journey.
In lieu of flowers, please bring a new, unwrapped toy to the calling hours. They will be donated to the Christmas USMC Toys for Tots, which was very important to him. Memorial donations can also be made to Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York 12202, or The Priory Retreat House, 135 Priory Drive, Chestertown, New York 12817.
Dear Jackie and Family,
“After the coldest winter the warmth of springtime beckons, and after the darkest night, the light of dawn appears once more. After the grayest storm, a rainbow paints the sky with color and after the strongest waves, fragile seashells line the shore. After the deepest loss, God gives the healing gift of memories to comfort and bring peace of mind when those we love are gone…and as long as we remember, we will never feel alone, for deep within our hearts, we know our loved ones still live on”. We are thinking of you always and sending our deepest sympathy and love to all of you, Peggy and Peter and Family
Dear Rod and Family,
Please know that you are in our constant thoughts and prayers.
Your dad is at peace, young again and pain free, and one day you will see him again in God’s kingdom. Much love and prayers, Ben, Zee and Mikki XO
I worked at the local Grand Union during the summers when I was in high school in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Mr. Ploof made periodic visits to our store. He always impressed me as being very much a company man, but always very fair, and a class act at all times.
RIP, Mr. Ploof
Our loving thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Jackie. For all who ever met Ollie, even just once, were blessed to be recipients of his warmth, humor and graciousness. His presence in the lives of so many, was truly a present for all. May the peace of the Lord be with each of you and give you comfort during this time of sorrow.
Dear Jackie and family,
We were so sorry to hear Ollie,(your Dad) passed away.
We remember him as a gentle, quiet and kindhearted man.
You’re all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
The Williams from Jamaica Rd. Bob, Rosalia, Paula, Maria, Melina
Dean, and Gina.
You were a good man Oliver. You left your mark on many and were often remembered. Rest in peace Mr. Ploof!
lost a old nieghbor and great person.may the family get thru. may u all get thru this sorry i couldn”t be there bill.he ‘s playing in heaven with the knombs. jackie,rod, shelley,roxie,marieand mark i fell ur pain.remember the good times.
Our condolence to Ed&Doris Ploof. We are sorry for your lost..
Our condolence for your lost.
Went all through High School with Oliver and we were friends. He was one of the GOOD GUYS.
Please accept our sympathy.
Dear Aunt Jackie, Rod, Roxanne, Marie and Mark and all of your families. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Uncle Ollie. Remembering whenever there was a large “family occasion” distance never mattered rather it was the love that always brought Uncle Oliver and Aunt Jackie back to VT. Sending love, hugs and prayers that God will see you all through this most difficult time. May love of family and friends and memories shared bring you strength.
I will never forget his smile!
Love, Elaine (Ploof)
Aunt Jackie & Family,
Praying for God’s comfort and peace for you all in this
tough time.
Very sad to have a loved one go “home”
But, we must all rejoice for him too…. being “home” with Mom & Dad…brothers and sisters…. and God! What a celebration it must be in Heaven!
All our love from Texas.
Art & Mary Limacher
Dear Ploof Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and my heart aches for you all.
Can’t help remembering our childhood family adventures together. Some wonderful happy memories like when our Moms raced our Dads to see who could set up the tent trailers fastest or our trip to Prince Edward Island. Hold the happy memories close and find comfort there. Keeping you in my thoughts, Laurie
Jackie and family, You perhaps do not remember me, my parents were Bernadette & Arthur DeMarinis from High St. in St. Albans, VT. You lived in the house just below ours when Ollie was working at GU in St.Albans. I remember Roddy crawling up the hill on his hands and knees to go get a cookie from my mom. I believe you also had Michelle at the time you lived there.
I remember you and Ollie as very caring, loving people. My condolences to you and your family, God called my parents home also, Dad passed at the age of fifty seven, mom passed almost five years ago at the age of ninety two. She remained her strong willed, fiesty self, living alone until just two weeks prior to her passing. She often spoke of you and your family and wondering how you were doing.
God bless all of you.
Sincerely, Joan Leduc
My condolences to the family during this difficult time. I am truly sorry for your loss. Please find comfort and hope in God’s promise found at Revelation 21:3,4.
Michelle and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it was for you to see your dad face this horrible disease. I didn’t know your dad but I’m sure he was an amazing man to have raised such a wonderful daughter. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending you love.
Kelly Attanasio
Dear Jackie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ollie will always be a part of many of my most cherished childhood memories, especially our camping adventures. I will remember his kindness and his quiet, subtle wit. A good man. I hope that you have some comfort knowing that he is now at peace and with God and that surely my Dad was there to welcome him into heaven.
Dear Jackie & Family,
I heard about your loss, my condolences to you and your family.