Anthony "Red" Plese

Anthony J. “Red” Plese

Age 92, passed away Friday August 7, 2026 at his home.

Survived by his loving wife Dorothy (Bajt) Plese; his devoted children John (Lori) Plese, Karen (Bill) Speckman and Andy (Noreen) Plese; grandchildren Katie Speckman Wardisiani, Kristin (Alex) Plese Parrish, Michelle (Mario) Speckman Ortiz and Janet (Ian) Speckman Bonadeo; nine great grandchildren; two sisters Joyce (Chipper) Pearson and Shirley Hicks; sisters-in-law Arlene Plese and Mary Kay Bajt; brother-in-law Conrad Kuszynski. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Preceded in death by one grandson AJ Plese; parents Anthony and Florence Mae (Kennedy) Plese Sr.; brother George Plese; sister Mary Kuszynski; brother-in-law Ernie Hicks, Robert (Gail) Bajt and John Bajt.

Born in Joliet, a lifelong resident. Red was a United States Marine Corp Veteran. He was proud to serve his country. He retired after 37 years, from Nicor Gas.

Red was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed meeting with numerous friends for coffee. His real joy was spending time with family especially the grandchildren.

Funeral from the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, Wednesday August 12, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. to Queen of Apostles Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment with military honors will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday morning 7:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers all memorials made to the family will be forwarded to Tunnel to Towers Foundation to help Gold Star families and fallen first responder families.