Robert William Pluskota Sr.

Robert W. Pluskota, age 86, of South Chicago Heights, IL. passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025. Robert W. Pluskota was born on July 19, 1939. He had a sister, Geraldine Martin. He was born to John and Irene Pluskota.Robert was the beloved husband of 63 years to the late Marjorie R. Pluskota. Robert was the loving father of John (Joanne) Pluskota, Michelle (Steven) Feilen, late Robert Jr. (Tammie) Pluskota, and the late Michael L. Pluskota. He was the cherished grandfather of Shauna, Joseph, Jenna (Andrew) Tinch, Nick, Jarod, Caleb, and Addison; great grandfather of Amelia Tinch, dear brother of the late Geraldine Pluskota-Martin, fond uncle of William (Sandy) Martin and Francis (Bill) Wilsak.

Robert was a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served for over 20 years, retiring as a Gunnery Sgt (E-7). Robert “Bob” Pluskota entered the U.S. Marine Corps in May 1957, and completed training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA. He lived in Chicago, IL at the time of his enlistment and served for over 20 years as a Radio Chief until his Honorable Discharge on January 31, 1978 and retired from the Marine Corps on June 1, 1981.

His active-duty service included assignments in Okinawa, CONUS, and deployment abroad on various ships including the USS Anderson, USS Paul Revere, USS Iwo Jima and USS Bell Grove.He served in Vietnam from 1966-1968 and had more deployments in 1971 and 1975 in support of Operations Frequent Wind and Eagle Pull assigned to Battery H, 3rd BN, 12 Marines. In 1976, he attended annual training with Battery F, 2nd Bn 4th. Marines that were based in Jackson, MS and went to Greece and Türkiye.

Medals received included Navy Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation with 1 Bronze Star, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct with 4 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with 1 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Service with 3 bronze Service Stars, Vietnam gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action, and Vietnam Campaign w/60 device.

After his service, Robert continued to serve his community as a member of the Steger VFW Post 8283 in various roles including Post Commander. Robert will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Celebration of life to be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the Steger VFW Post 8283, 3332 Chicago Rd., Steger, Illinois, 60475. Arrangements entrusted to Smits Steger Memorial Chapel 3045 Chicago Rd Steger, Il 60475. or more information, please call (708) 755-6100 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com.