William Joseph Plokhooy, Sr. of Garfield passed from this life on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the age of 96. Loving husband and father, William is predeceased by his wife of 68 years Jean (nee Dalzell) Plokhooy. Survived by his children; William J. Jr., Ralph, Dwayne, Darryl and Pamella Jean. His sisters; the late Alice Dymek and Elizabeth Howell. William is also survived by his several nieces and nephews.

Born on Cambridge Avenue in Garfield on April 19, 1928 to William and Anna Plokhooy, William spent his childhood growing up in Clifton. Always interested in engineering and construction, he built his own kayak at an early age to navigate and fish Lake Dundee on the Passaic River. Later building a cabin cruiser with his father to use in the lower Hackensack River. William went to school in Clifton graduating from Clifton High School.

William joined the U.S. Navy toward the end of World War II and served as a Radioman on the Pacific Coast. After his service, he returned to work in New Jersey, first as a carpenter at Richardson Scale in Clifton. From there he began building houses with his father in Bergen, Passaic and Essex counties. He continued home construction and remodeling with "Todays Homes" of Passaic retiring in the mid 80's. He continued to take smaller construction jobs to remain active.

William began his love of music as a young man, becoming an accomplished pianist, playing and having a vast knowledge of classical music, he became a teacher of piano for many years through the 60's and 70's to students in the area and his children. He was never far from a piano and enjoyed playing whenever he could. William's interest in music also included his participation in the choir of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Clifton for many years and also played the organ there.

He was an avid reader of classical adventures and novels his entire life. William enjoyed collecting and operating vintage model trains, a hobby he shared with his children. He also had a working knowledge of several languages which he gained from his family heritage.

William was a caring and gentle man. He loved his family and friends dearly. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge freely, reciting a limerick to bring a smile to those around him and was proud of his military service. We celebrate his life and he will live on in our hearts and fondest memories.

Services will be private. Arrangements are by Costa Memorial Home in Hasbrouck Heights.