Donald J. Plantier “Fire Duck”
Wingdale/Stanfordvile – Donald John Plantier, the “Fire Duck”, a lifelong Dutchess County resident died peacefully on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Village Crest Center in New Milford, CT. Mr. Plantier retired as a food service worker from Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center in Wingdale, NY, and he also drove school bus for many years for Arvisais Bus Company in Wingdale and for the Lee Bus Company in Dover Plains, NY. He also worked for several years for J&J Log and Lumber Company and for Hunt Country Furniture prior to his retirement.
Born April 24, in Poughkeepsie, NY, he was the son of the late Andrew and Wanona (Brown) Plantier. He attended Dover Schools and served his country honorably in the United States Airforce. On November 5, 1957 in Pleasant Valley, NY, he married Margaret N. Curtis his beloved wife of fifty eight years. Mrs. Plantier survives at home in Stanfordville.
“Fire Duck” was a fifty five year life member and past Fire Police Lieutenant and Captain and current Sergeant at Arms of the J.H. Ketcham Hose Company in Dover Plains. He was a member of the Dutchess County Fire Police Response Team, a life member of the Dutchess County Volunteer Fireman’s Association, the Exempt Fireman’s Association, the Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman’s Association and the Royal Order of the Red Vest. He served as a Town of Dover Constable and crossing guard for many years and was a forty year member of the Dover Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star in Dover Plains. He also belonged to the Stanford Grange # 808 in Stanfordville. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and by his extended firematic family. He was truly one of a kind.
In addition to his loving wife Margaret, he is survived by his two children; Lisarose McGarry ( Terry) of Dixmont, ME and Walter J. Plantier (April) of Wingdale, NY, three grandchildren; Tracey (Mike) Tompkins, Alan(Katelin)McHugh and Cody Plantier, three great grandchildren; Michael, Kali and Kane, a special sister in law, June C. Williams and several nieces and nephews and many friends. He always held a special place in his heart for his animals especially his pet white goose “Goose” and his black lab “Winston”. He was predeceased by his son in law, Alan McHugh, Sr. in 2009.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2015 from 2-5pm at 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546. J.H. Ketcham Hose Company will conduct services at 4:45pm during visiting hours. Funeral services will take place on Monday, November 30, 2015 at10 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery, Nellie Hill Road, Dover Plains, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to J.H. Ketcham Hose Company, P.O. Box 706, Dover Plains, NY 12522 or to the Dover Masonic Lodge #666, 100 Hurds Corners Road, Pawling, NY 12564.
