Thomas J. Plocharczyk

Thomas Joseph Plocharczyk, of Southington and most recently Plantsville, passed away on December 10, 2025. He was predeceased by his twin brother, Monsignor Daniel Plocharczyk, and his daughter, Lisa Plocharczyk.

Tom grew up in New Britain, attended Sacred Heart School until 1963, and graduated from Goodwin Tech in 1966. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1967 and fought in the Vietnam War. Tom was very proud of his military service and the Purple Heart with which he was awarded in 1968.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Tom worked at a few different companies including Geairco, Carling Switch, and Pratt and Whitney. In 1992, he enrolled at Gateway Community College and earned a degree in Water Management. He was most recently employed by Valley Water Company as a foreman, retiring in 2014.

Tom was incredibly handy and knew how to do everything. He meticulously maintained his house and yard including the family pool for decades. Tom loved a good party and enjoyed nothing more than having friends and family swimming in the pool on a hot summer day while he cooked food on the grill.

Throughout his life, Tom enjoyed many hobbies such as traveling, skiing, riding motorcycles, playing card games, reading (Agatha Christie mysteries were a favorite), listening to music (especially Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan), completing crossword puzzles, and watching NASCAR (he even attended a few live races). After retirement, Tom enjoyed quiet nights at home with Janet.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Janet Plocharczyk of Plantsville; his son, Thomas Plocharczyk, Jr. of New York; his daughter Sandi Dowsett and his son-in-law Jake Dowsett of Southington; his sister, Lorraine Kaufman of South Glastonbury; and many cousins, friends, and neighbors. Rest in peace, “Big Tom.”

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America (https://vva.org/).

A memorial service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Burial with military honors will follow in South End Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.