Paul C. Plastino, 84, Luther Acres, Lititz, formerly of Lancaster, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2008, after a long battle with leukemia. Born in Bart Twp., Lancaster County, Pa., he was the son of the late John and Giovanna (Cimini) Plastino. He was the husband of Irene H. Hudson Plastino for 61 years.

Paul graduated from Quarryville High School, where in 1942 he was selected by the Lancaster County Basketball Officials as the outstanding basketball player of the year. Upon graduation, Paul entered the United States Army Air Force serving as a nose turret gunner on the B-24 Liberator bomber. Following the war, he graduated from Gettysburg College with a BA in Business Administration.

After college, Paul returned to Lancaster County where he was a member of the business community for over fifty five years. He began with Douglas Watt Realtor and then switched careers to enter the home furnishings business with Oblenders Furniture Store. Later, in association with Bill Smith and Lou Milan they formed Home Fashions, Inc. on N. Queen St. in Lancaster. These affiliations ultimately led to a successful partnership with the late interior designer, David Owens and their opening of the area's premier home furnishings and design establishment, Plastino and Owens, Inc. A few years after the death of his partner, Paul purchased the franchise rights to the Choice Seating Galleries in Lancaster, York, and Camp Hill. After a brief retirement in 1994, Paul reentered the furnishing industry in the floor covering area, dealing with builders, apartment complexes and the commercial market. He later sold this business to Wall and Wall Floor Coverings in Strasburg.

He was very proactive in the Lancaster community and as an alumnus of Gettysburg College. His contributions included charter president of the Lancaster Breakfast Optimist Club and Board of Fellows of Gettysburg College. He served on the boards of the YMCA, American Cancer Society, and the Fulton Opera House. Paul also enjoyed membership in the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Sales and Marketing Executives, BPO Elks, Lancaster Aero Club, Century Flying Club and the Lancaster Hamilton Club. Paul was also a member of the St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children: Theresa A. of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., and wife of Blaise Minns; Dr. John E. of Lititz, husband of Gayle Materna; David A. of Malvern, Pa.; Joseph M. of Seattle, WA., husband of Lezlie Tompkins. Paul was preceded in death by his eldest son, Paul Jr. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and two sisters: Gina Plastino of Lititz, Pa. and Izora Bowermaster of Mt. Joy, Pa.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov.4,  at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd. Lancaster, PA with Msgr. Richard Youtz as Celebrant. There will be a family visitation and reception following the Mass. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in St. Catherine Catholic Cemetery in Quarryville, PA.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Paul's memory St. Anne Neumann School Building Fund, 601 E. Delp Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601. Arrangements by the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel, Lititz PA  560-5100. To send an online condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com.