Obituary: Oliver Robert Plunkett

October 1, 1939 – February 26, 2024

February 28, 2024

Oliver Robert Plunkett, 1939-2024. Courtesy photo

Oliver R. Plunkett passed away peacefully in the company of his family on Monday evening, February 26, 2024, at his home in Waterbury Center, Vermont.

Born on October 1, 1939, in Cumberland City, Tennessee, he was the son of the late William Plunkett and the late Gertrude (Vaughn) Baskins.

As a youngster, he attended schools in Cumberland City, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri.  In August 1957 he joined the U.S. Navy serving aboard the USS John A. Bole, and also served in the Naval Reserves, stationed in San Diego, California. Later he relocated to Waterbury, Vermont, and began his construction career working on the bridges for the Interstate 89 infrastructure.

It was in Waterbury where he met his spouse of 62 years, Carol A. Dibbell. Together they had two children, Ray Scott Plunkett of Waterbury Center, and Stacy (Plunkett) Lang of Dandridge, Tennessee. Oliver deeply loved his family and was so proud of his children.

His last employer before retirement was IBM of Essex Junction, Vermont, where he worked for 25 years.

Oliver was a quiet, tender-hearted gentleman who enjoyed reading. He also liked to keep busy with gardening, home care, and was a very skilled handyman, enjoying many home projects. In his early years, he enjoyed fishing, playing golf as a member of the Blush Hill Country Club in Waterbury, and playing cards with neighbors and friends.

He is survived by his wife Carol Plunkett and his son Ray Plunkett, both of Waterbury Center, and his daughter Stacy Lang of Dandridge, Tennessee.

He is also survived by many wonderful siblings including Ray Plunkett (Joan) of Belton, South Carolina; Judy Kusalich of Soquel, California; Sandy Archer (Mike) of California, Bill Plunkett (Jane) in Italy, Jim Baskins (Betty) of New Hampshire, and Norma Hrubesh in Virginia.

In addition to his parents, Oliver was predeceased by his special stepfather Allen Baskins, and his wonderful stepmother Elsie Plunkett; two brothers, Jerry Baskins and Mike Baskins, and two sisters, Betsy Pule and JoAnne Maxwell.

The Plunkett family is extremely grateful for the dedicated and caring staff of Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice for the compassionate comfort care provided to Oliver at the end of his life.

At Oliver’s request, there will be no services. For those who wish, memorial gifts in Oliver’s memory would be appreciated to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre VT 05641. Online condolences to Oliver’s family may be made on the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home website.