Richard James Plunkett was born Feb. 23, 1939 in Boston, Massachusetts and passed Feb. 20, 2026, peacefully at home with his family by his side.
Richard is survived by his wife Sharyn Ann Plunkett, three children from his previous marriage, Wendy Gall (Rob), Jon Plunkett (Sherry), Geoffery Plunkett (Sarah);
grandsons Jeremy Plunkett, Ben Plunkett, and Jonathan Gall; his sisters-in-law Sheryl Ford, Diane Plunkett, and Cynthia Saunders (Carl); nieces Lynn Ricci, Sheri Plunkett O’Connor (John), and Kerri Haer (Andy); nephew Dr. Shawn Saunders (Amy, Esq.), and great nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his father Richard James Plunkett, M.D., mother Gertrude Plunkett, brothers James Plunkett and Bernard Plunkett, sister Ann Golden, nephews James Plunkett, Richie Golden and niece Laura Golden.
In 1945 at 6 years of age Richard and his family lived in Paraguay where his father, Richard Plunkett, M.D. ,was a board member to help design Paraguay de Medic Hospital which is still in existence today.
Richard attended New Trier High School in Chicago, Illinois. He was still in contact with his high school friends.
He served in the Army National Guard in the 1960s as a medic.
He was an entrepreneur, licensed twin-engine aircraft pilot, Partner/Flight School at Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts, CEO Bedford Insurance Agency, Bedford, Massachusetts, CEO All American Aviation Underwriters, Inc., Lexington, Massachusetts, Registered Investment Advisor.
He was a member of the Montecito Country Club since 1980 with his wife Sharyn where they enjoyed golf and socializing with many friends.
They met in 1972, married in 1984 and shared a beautiful, loving life together for 54 years. They traveled to Costa Rica and Hawaii playing golf and took a cruise to the Caribbean. They enjoyed all the many wonderful times they spent together.
Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother in law.
Richard was a gentle, loving, kindhearted man. If you wanted someone to talk with he was the one who would always give you his complete attention. He had a special way of making you feel very comfortable.
He had a photographic memory and could recall any point in history. He realized history was the foundation for understanding our world, society, and ourselves. He was very intelligent and knew world history better than anyone we have ever known.
He had a great sense of humor and was so enjoyable to be with. He had such a love of life, and it showed in everything he did.
Richard will be sorely missed. He played a major part in our everyday lives.
We love him with all our hearts and will miss everything about him every day. He
will have in a special place in our hearts.
God Bless you Richard. May you be granted everlasting life and be blessed with
perpetual light shining upon you. Rest in peace dearest Richard with the Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit for eternity, surrounded by all who have preceded you in death, and who you loved dearly.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Carpinteria Cemetery,1501 Cravens
Lane, Carpinteria on March 13, 2026 at 11 a.m. Family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association.