Richard "Rix" H. Plonka

Richard “Rix” H. Plonka, 63, of Bristol, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, March 2, 2026. He is now tending to his beautiful gardens in a better place; one that we all hope to be one day.

Richard was born on May 2, 1962 in Meriden to Ellen (Repan) Plonka and the late Richard J. Plonka.

Rix loved plants, flowers and gardening and worked for many different nurseries throughout Connecticut over the years. He retired from the State of Connecticut, Connecticut Valley Hospital, where he worked as an assistant cook for 10 years. Rix was very smart and had a unique perspective on life. He was strong-willed and sarcastic but had a soft heart and always willing to help others when needed.

In addition to his mother Ellen, Rix is survived by his sister, Christine Hoffman and her husband Chris and two nieces and one nephew; Briana, Brandon (Sana Melendez) and Bridget “Wiket,” all of Bristol. He is also survived by his godmother/aunt, Alice Polak of Meriden, three aunts, Margaret DellaBitta of FL, Anna Mongillo and Caroline Savage, both of Southington and many cousins. In addition to his father Richard, Rix was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Henry and Leopoldina Plonka, his maternal grandparents, Ludvik and Anna (Franek) Repan, his godfather/uncle, Henry Polak and two cousins, James (Jimmy) Polak and Kimberley Limbacher. Rix is also survived by his close friends, Weslie Czekala, Janet Bosco, Rob Farler, Sandy Sturms and especially Griffin Newman, who provided invaluable support and friendship to him in his later years.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rix’s memory may be made to the Diabetes Association (American Diabetes Association">https://American Diabetes Association).

Calling hours will be held from 3 – 5 p.m. with Words of Remembrance at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.