John Plate, Sr.

John R. Plate Sr.
Age 103, of Watkins Glen, and formerly of Montour Falls and Crescent City, FL, passed away after a long and full life on January 18, 2016. He was born on October 5, 1912 in Elmira, NY, the second eldest of 13 children, to Fred Sr. and Mary Plate. He was a truck driver for several companies, including Thompson Motor Express of Elmira. He was predeceased by his parents, and wife of 56 years, Mary. He was also predeceased by his son, Wesley “Sandy” Plate; son-in-law, Albert Rondinaro, and 10 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline Rondinaro of Watkins Glen; son, John Jr. (Patricia) Plate of Arizona; daughter-in-law, Janet Plate of Montour Falls; sister, Elsie (Everett) Shock of Wellsburg; brother, Robert (Carol) Plate of Sayre, PA; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends and relatives from 11:00am-1:00pm on Thursday, January 21st, at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. A celebration of his life will be held at the funeral home at 1:00pm; Deacon Thomas Ruda will officiate; followed with committal services and burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. John’s love in life was his wife Mary and their family. Also, he loved to hunt, fish, travel, bowl, and play cards. He was known as a real card shark! His favorite card game was pinochle. John was also an avid story teller. John’s secret to a long life was “2 cookies every morning for breakfast and a chew of tobacco everyday”. You may express condolences to the family or light a “Candle of Remembrance” online at www.RoyceChedzoy.com.