In loving memory of

Arthur J. Plichta
January 28, 1952 - July 2, 2018

Arthur J. Plichta (Art), lovingly called Turek by his close friends and family, passed away on Monday, July 2, 2018 after a valiant battle with NET cancer. He was with his family and friends throughout his last several days, and was comforted by the love of so very many who messaged, texted, sent cards and hugs. His nurses and doctors have touched our hearts, and our family is forever grateful.

Born January 28, 1952 in Flushing, NY, and raised in Bayside, Queens, Turek lived with his parents, Celia and Feliks Plichta and his siblings Feliks and Christine. He attended Stonybrook University, and received his BA from Empire State University. He later attended Queens College, studying Russian language aspiring to be a photojournalist. There he met his wife, Betty L. Rhoda, and they were married in Commack, LI on March 1, 1980. During their honeymoon in Poland in 1981, Turek wrote his master's thesis entitled "Polish Television at the time of the Military Take Over". Yes, he was there when the Russians cracked down on the Solidarity movement. He received his master's degree in Media Studies from The New School in 1982.

Art returned from Poland having completed work for his thesis and became a special ed. aid in a junior high school in Astoria, NY. He returned to school to become a special ed. teacher, and taught in Astoria for 2 years. In 1986, Art was hired as a special ed. teacher at North Jr. H.S. in Newburgh, NY. He worked at "North", Newburgh Free Academy (NFA) at Stewart (1999), and the main campus at NFA (2006) during which he achieved National Board Certification. He was elected president of the Newburgh Teachers Union representing over 2000 union members from 2012 until his retirement in 2015.

Turek was an accomplished photographer. His work was exhibited in Wroclaw, Poland. He was a wedding photographer with H&H Photography in Riverdale, NY for over 25 years. Art cared deeply for his community and was an active member of the Esopus Democratic Committee. He loved music, especially Chopin, playing the string bass, the guitar and piano, singing with his family and going to concerts and the opera. He loved learning new languages and could speak several including Polish, Russian, Italian and French. His love of travel led him to take his wife and children to many countries including Poland, Bermuda, Italy, France, Germany, Luxenbourg, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Spain, Egypt, Mexico, Great Britain, France, as well as extensive travels in the US. In addition, Art traveled to Russia, Costa Rica, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Scotland and Aruba, loving the planning and the exploring equally. Turek loved to learn... along with Betty, they purchased and learned everything needed to renovate their home in Rifton, NY, turning a run down house into a beautiful home. Turek enjoyed cooking and gardening and seeing the deer in the backyard.

Turek is survived by his wife, Betty, his three amazing children and their chosen partners: Catherine Plichta (and Roger Daniel) of Richmond Hill, NY, Steven Plichta of Stowe, VT, Daniel Plichta (and Roxanne Domer) and his beloved grandson Nathaniel Plichta of Saugerties, NY. In addition he is survived by his sister-in-law Patricia (his brother Feliks Plichta pre-deceasing him), his sister Christine (and William McGuire) and many cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, NY 12401, where family and friends may visit on Tuesday July 10, 2018 from 4pm to 8pm. In lieu of flowers please consider donating a backpack filled with school supplies for a needy child to your local school district in Turek's memory. To leave an expression of sympathy, please visit www.KeyserFuneralService.com.

Tributes

Greene Family wrote on Jul 18, 2018:

"Please accept my family?s heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort in fond memories of them, and God?s promise to restore those asleep in death to perfect life on a paradise Earth, and to rid us of death forever."

Ashley wrote on Jul 8, 2018:

"Hi mrs.plichta it?s ashley I just wanted to say sorry for your loss and that I know you are crushed from when this happened but your dad will always love you deep down inside."

Patti Morse wrote on Jul 6, 2018:

"So very sad to hear of Art's passing- I will always be grateful to him for his kind and generous support and excellent sense of humor when I began my teaching career at Stewart Academy as well as his time as NTA President. Heartfelt condolences to Betty and family for your loss- Patti Morse"

Frank Colone wrote on Jul 6, 2018:

"On behalf of the Retired Teachers Chapter of the NTA, we offer our sincere condolences on Art's passing. With sympathy, Frank and Peggy Colone"

Kiara wrote on Jul 5, 2018:

"Hi mrs.ichta it's your formal student kiara and I just wanted to say I am sorry for your loss and I know how deeply hurt you are inside but just know that us your students will always be there for you and any way we can support and or help you we will"

Leila audinot wrote on Jul 5, 2018:

"My backyard neighbor in rifton and NECSD... so glad that I was blessed with your kindness. Art inspired many young minds with an open heart. Saw his car today on my way home with it?s BERNIE sticker???God Bless "

Barbara Schaum wrote on Jul 5, 2018:

"Remembering Art and my time teaching with him at North. May his soul Rest In Peace. May our Lord be with you in your loss."

Barbara Jesrani wrote on Jul 4, 2018:

"Art was on the staff at NJH when I was a school psychologist there. His gentle manner and steady presence, in addition to his learned instruction, made him a valuable presence in the school, and a great colleague. Sincere condolences to the family."

Barbara Jesrani wrote on Jul 4, 2018:

"Art was teaching at NJH when I was a school psychologist there. His gentle manner and steady presence, in addition to his learned instruction, , made him a very effective educator and a great colleague. Sincere condolences to the family."

Esperance wrote on Jul 4, 2018:

"I met Mr. Plichta by way of his daughter, Catherine Plichta. She was our music teacher. He attended all our performances and served as a cheerleader for both Catherine and our students. He is at peace now and I know he will continue cheering us on from up above! "

Glenda wrote on Jul 4, 2018:

"I met Mr. Plichta by way of his daughter, Catherine Plichta. She was our music teacher. He attended all our performances and served as a cheerleader for both Catherine and our students. He is at peace now and I know he will continue cheering us on from up above! "

Ann Marie Healey wrote on Jul 4, 2018:

"I got to know Art as he worked on his National Boards. We had many discussions about meanings of the questions. Later I enjoyed chatting with Art as we sat in the airport on our way to Dallas for a conference. You are with the angels my friend. You have won the battle! ?"