Russell Plasha

Russell Plasha, 90, passed away surrounded by his loving family in his Spring Twp. home on March 15, 2025.

He was the loving husband of Marie (Hauptly) Plasha. They were married on

August 10, 1963.

Born in St. Clair, he was the son of the late John and Julia (Wochok) Plasha. He grew up attending the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church.

After graduation from St Clair High School, Russ worked on the Reading Railroad Road for one year, laying tracks and making lots of friends. He then enrolled at Shippensburg University where he played baseball and basketball, graduating in 1957 with his BS degree. The Army was next for Russ. He enlisted following his graduation from Shippensburg and was stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia and in Germany. Following his discharge from the Army, Russ relocated to the Reading area and launched his career as a beloved educator and counselor in the Wilson School District. He continued his education, earning an MS degree in counseling from Kutztown University and additional graduate work at Colgate and Lehigh Universities. Once retired, he continued to give back to the community by tutoring grade school students as well as adults seeking their GED.

Russ was a selfless and remarkable man, adoring husband, and amazing father with a fantastic sense of humor. In his younger years, Russ was an avid athlete, enjoying golf and just about every pickup sport from basketball to water polo with a wonderful group of buddies who have been lifelong cherished friends. He loved to dance and loved the Polka. Above all, Russ loved people and was able to touch them in a way that left a lasting impression. Even as his disease progressed, Russ continued to assure us all that he was "on top of the world".

Russ was a long-time member of St. John Baptist de la Salle Roman Catholic Church in Shillington and Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Saint Clair.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Elizabeth (Michael) Sassano, Katherine (Brian) Gleason, and John Plasha. There are seven grandchildren: Michael (Brittany Cole) Sassano, Anthony Sassano, Christopher Gleason, Sean Gleason, Paul Gleason, Shannon Plasha, and Patrick Plasha and one great grandson, Luca Sassano. His sister, Marlene Dana also survives him.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 21, 2025, at St. John Baptist de la Salle RCC, Shillington, at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cemetery, St. Clair. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. John Baptist de la Salle RCC, Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church or Multiple Sclerosis Society. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.