Final Salute

Ronald E. Plankey, 90, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, at the Timothy Daniels House in Holliston, MA, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Springfield on August 30, 1934, Ron was the son of Edward F. and Olivene M. (Vincent) Plankey. He moved to Pittsfield as a young boy, where he attended local schools, including St. Joseph Central High School, and graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1957.

A proud veteran of the Korean War, Ron enlisted in the United States Navy on January 22, 1952. He served aboard the USS Waldron (DD-699) as a Boatswain’s Mate Third Class and participated in the landings at Pyongyang and Inchon as an assault coxswain. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal. After his honorable discharge in 1955, he continued to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserves in Pittsfield, rising to the rank of Petty Officer First Class and serving as Command Career Counselor of Battalion No. 27. In 1981, he was honored as “Seabee of the Year.”

Ron joined the Pittsfield Fire Department on July 25, 1959, and served his city with distinction for over two decades, eventually becoming a Fire Inspector and part-time Building Inspector. He also became certified in CPR instruction and taught more than 2,000 individuals-including some of the first visually impaired trainees-in this life saving technique. Off duty, he was the longtime captain of the Pittsfield Firemen’s Association softball team and worked closely with the Pittsfield Police Association and city officials to raise funds for many causes, including The Jimmy Fund, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and the Berkshire Benevolent Association for the Blind. He also served as President of the Bobby Kidney Sunshine Club for many years.

After retiring from the Fire Department, Ron embraced his love of food and hospitality. He taught culinary arts at Taconic High School and, for 34 years, co-owned M&R Catering with his son, Mike. His cooking brought joy to countless weddings, clambakes, retirements, and community celebrations throughout the Berkshires.

Ron was a communicant of St. Charles Church and a proud member of many organizations including the Pittsfield Permanent Firemen’s Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and a lifetime member of the Greylock Community Club in North Adams.

On September 1, 1956, Ron married the love of his life, Mildred “Mickey” Kawa. Together, they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2022. Ron cherished time with his family-especially vacations on Cape Cod and Misquamicut Beach, and winters spent in Lake Worth, Florida. His greatest joy was being “Papa” to his grandsons.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Ann Marie Plankey and her husband Matthew Ringie of Holliston, MA; his son, Ronald J. Plankey and wife Judy of Surprise, AZ; and two beloved grandsons, Timothy and Michael Ringie. He was predeceased by his son, Michael S. Plankey, and his beloved wife, Mickey.

Ron will be remembered for his service, generosity, warm spirit, infectious laugh and devotion to family and community.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Ronald Edward Plankey will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9am at St. Charles Church. Burial with military and fire department honors will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday, June 27 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pittsfield Professional Firefighter Benevolent Association and mailed to DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.
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Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Jun. 25, 2025.