Gerald Francis Plancich

Obituary Gerald Francis Plancich 1940 - 2015 Gerald "Jerry" Plancich passed away peacefully at the family sanctuary at Lake St. Clair on September 30, 2015 at the age of 74. He was born December 4, 1940 to Rudolph and Mary Plancich. Growing up in Tacoma, WA, he loved all sports and excelled in basketball. He also enjoyed his time with his father in the family fishing business. He first attended Stadium High School then moved to the newly opened Woodrow Wilson High School, graduating in 1960 and eventually accepted a scholarship to play basketball at Montana State University. He met and fell in love with his wife Bernadine "Bernie" Berilla of 53 years while they were in high school. Jerry enjoyed a long and successful career working first in the foundry industry and then in sales, warehousing and distribution, most recently with Norvanco until he retired in 2000. In retirement, Jerry and Bernie owned and operated 'Bernie's Burgers' at the Western Washington Fairgrounds for the past 15 years. Jerry found great pleasure in giving back to the community he loved so much. He coached youth sports and was an active member of the Tacoma Athletic Commission (TAC) for over 25 years while serving as the TAC president and Golden Gloves Chairman. Jerry was well known within the community for his selfless giving of his time, financial support and mentoring Tacoma's youth both on and off the athletic arena. In 2005, he was recognized with the National Football Foundation Community Service Award and was inducted in the Woodrow Wilson High School Hall of Fame. Jerry was an avid animal lover and teasingly referred to as a 'dog whisperer' in his own right. Jerry and Bernie have been members of Holy Cross since 1962. The most important people in Jerry's life were his friends and family. Jerry is survived by his wife, Bernie; his children, Gregory (Monica), Karen (Darren), Jeffrey (Danielle), Lisa (Rich) and Kimberly (Dan); his 12 grandchildren, Brett, Madison, Bryce, Zachary, Jared, Mason, Jacob, Callie, Reese, Luke, Elijah, Chance; his brother, Rudolph "Rudy"; and many loving extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Mary Plancich. The vigil will be held Tuesday evening October 6th, 2015 at 7:00 pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 9:30am also at Holy Cross Catholic Church (5510 N 44th St, Tacoma, WA). Interment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's name may be made to the Tacoma Athletic Commission Golden Gloves, PO Box 11304 · Tacoma, WA 9841. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003