Joseph Oscar Plank

Joseph Oscar Plank, 87, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2022 surrounded by his cherished family. He was born April 20, 1935 in Los Angeles, California to Oscar and Margarita Plank. He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Patricia Louise, sister and brother in law Marguerite and Daniel Marriott, and lifelong friend Eugene Surwillo.

Joseph grew up in Los Angeles, California with his parents and younger sisters Marguerite and Melinda. He married Patricia Louise Mc Mahon in 1952. They lived in South Gate raising their two daughters Kathleen Louise and Maureen Melinda before moving to Long Beach in 1965 where their third daughter Patricia Maria was born. Joseph resided in Long Beach working at Mc Donnell Douglas and Boeing on many projects including the space shuttle and C17 before his retirement.

Joseph was known to his family and friends as Dad, Joe, PaPa to his grandchildren and PaPa Joe to the many people who loved him. Joseph loved the ocean, was a lifelong surfer and a local legend in Huntington Beach. He participated in the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race for many years. Joseph loved the mountains and skied and camped.  He loved music and he enjoyed singing and dancing.

Above all he loved and adored his family. Joseph is survived by his loving companion Irma, sister and brother in law Melinda and Terry Mackey, daughters and son in laws Kathleen and Allen Hardin, Maureen and Jim Motsinger, Patricia and Kelly Vargas. He was the most loving Pa Pa to his grandchildren Christian, Moureen, Hilary, Amy, Joey, Bobbie, Michelle, Pam, Matt, great grandchildren Ian, Sean, Claire, Senna, Rocco, Sara, Ashley, Gabby, Zach, Kelsey, Kennedy, and great great granddaughter Brenna.  He also leaves behind Robert, Magda, Jenny, Steven, Manny, Maggie, Aaron, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joseph had a love of life and was grateful for every day…he was often heard saying “Thank you God” for the most ordinary experiences. He spread joy and was beloved not only by his family but the many friends he met along the way. Joseph was the most kind, humorous, considerate, gracious, charming, lovable, sincere, tender person and anyone who met him loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of his family and friends.