Mr. Bernard "Ben" Plante

UTICA - Mr. Bernard M. “Ben” Plante, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, March 15, 2018 when he passed away at The Pines at Utica, at the age of 68. At the time of his crossing over, he was in the hearts of those he loved the most. Born in Utica on November 3, 1949, he was the son of the late Royal F. and Winifred (Mitchell) Plante. Bernard was raised and educated locally, a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1967. In 1979 he married Raina Lopez with whom he shared 39 years. They were blessed with a unique closeness of heart and soul, and Raina holds dear their many common interests and happy times together. For a period of time, Ben lived with his wife in Florida. He loved the outdoors and made his living as a landscaper and greenskeeper. They then relocated back to Utica where he attended MVCC majoring in Human Services. A majority of his working career was at Granny’s Kitchen. He enjoyed working at the bakery and was fond of the friendships he formed with his fellow co-workers. Ben was blessed with a sense of humor that charmed many hearts, and people gravitated to his laughter and his engaging personality. Music was his greatest form of entertainment. He remained loyal to the 60’s and he still had many of his vintage vinyl records including, among others, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, and The Beatles who sang one of his favorite songs, “Nowhere Man”. Football was his favorite sport and he looked forward to watching a hard-fought game. In his youth he was an avid writer and amature movie producer. He enjoyed a good meal, taking time to relax, and enjoyed a beautiful sunset with his wife. He had a tender side for animals, domestic or wild, and from God’s hand to his heart, he had room to hold them all. Ben was brave and able to bear the burdens of his life, and even when illness presented itself he remained charming, calm, witty and courageous. The Lord brought him back to a place of peace which comforted his wife and family. They are reassured that he is now with the Lord who will have mercy on his soul. Ben is survived by his wife, Raina; his siblings and their loves, Mary C. Plante and Jerry Godkin, Anne M. Plante, Denise M. Plante, twins, Gerald F. Plante and Stan Christi, Girard A. Plante, and Therese B. Plante and her husband Carl Forlano. He also leaves his nieces and nephews; Robert Thrasher, Sheryl Thrasher and Laurence Sardina; Andre Fichi, Joseph Plante and Vincent Hoover; and Daniel Plante, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Edna (Calvano) Lopez, father-in-law, Lawrence Lopez, and sister-in-law, Mary Curwitz. Ben was well-loved by the residents of the fourth floor of The Pines of Utica who came to see him in his final days, offering love and shedding tears, and the personnel were so kind and caring. The family is also grateful to the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care for the dignity and care they provided him; the Servants of the Divine Mercy, dedicated Christians who assisted Ben with the Prayer of the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ; and Father John Buehler for administering the Sacrament of The Anointing of the Sick. The family commemorated Ben’s life during the last few days of his life. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Bernard’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:30 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. John Buehler. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service.

Mr. Bernard "Ben" Plante

November 3, 1949 - March 15, 2018