1932 – 2015

LEWISTON — Edward F. Plossay, 82, of Lewiston, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 17, surrounded by his loving family.

Ed, as he was known to all, was born on Oct. 3, 1932, in North Monmouth, to Frank and Valeria (Piela) Plossay. His father was a Polish immigrant who instilled a fierce pride in his heritage to Ed who honored and respected that pride his entire life. In turn, he passed it on to his own family who have done the same. Ed was very proud of his high school years at Monmouth Academy. Graduating in 1950, he was his class president and editor of their yearbook, Amaracus. He remained a visible and devoted alumni member of the academy for years to come. In 1952, after two years at University of Maine, Ed joined the U.S. Army, beginning an adventure he spoke of for decades. He was asked to join the 5th U.S. Army Ski Team, becoming a champion downhill racer and proudly reminisced about his time racing in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. His favorite stories were ones of the beauty of Garmisch and Berchtesgaden, Germany, where he was stationed. He proved to be a sought-after teacher of the sport as many local youth there followed him, asking for skiing advice and lessons.

In 1956, Ed began something that changed his life forever. On June 9, at St. Joseph’s Church, he married his sweetheart, Sylvia Rand. A 59-year love story ensued that resulted in two children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Ed and “Syb” were inseparable. You rarely got one without the other. It remained that way until Ed’s final day. Their shared love was their family and time spent at their beloved cottage on Wilson Pond in North Monmouth. They made all who came to “camp” feel welcome. If you were there with the Plossays, you were part of their family and you were home.

Ed and Syb were devout members of St. Joseph’s Parish in Lewiston for many years. Their support of the church and school was very important to them. Ed’s booming bass singing voice was a fixture in the church choir and one many will never forget. When he sang, you sat up and listened. His voice was powerful and inspiring. Ed was also proud of his successful business career. He worked as a purchasing agent for the Pepperell Mill in Lewiston before his love for people led him to a long and respected career in the insurance industry. He joined the Merchants Mutual Group as a claims adjuster and eventually landed with the Hartford Insurance Agency, working in home and casualty for many years. He was very proud of his position on their board of directors and was the last living member of their original board. He was equally proud of the friendships he gained and maintained with his coworkers over the years. He spoke of them often.

Ed is survived by his wife, Sylvia, of Lewiston; daughter, Deb Kachel and her husband, Bob, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; son, Mike Plossay and his wife, Dawn, of North Monmouth; grandchildren, Andrew, Cory and Dusty Kachel of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Brett Plossay and his wife, Lauren, of Litchfield, Bryce Plossay and his wife, Danielle, of Waterville and Molly Plossay of Manchester; great-grandchildren,  Lydia, Eli, Sawyer and Tristan Plossay; and siblings, Pauline McDougald and husband, Holson, of North Monmouth and William Plossay and his wife, Gladys, of Nobleboro.

A very special thank-you to Dr. and Mrs. Richard Kappelmann and the nurses of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice. You are all angels from heaven.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.