Adam A. Plonski

Adam A. Plonski, 94, of River Forest, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026.

Adam was born Adam Joseph Plonski on July 15, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, to Teofil and Apolonia Plonski, who emigrated from Poland. Although his given name was Adam Joseph, he was known throughout his life as Adam A. Plonski, adopting the name Anthony at his religious confirmation, a name that remained part of his identity for decades.

He was raised in Brooklyn and attended Our Lady of Częstochowa School, where he received instruction in Polish, and later Brooklyn Technical High School. He continued his education at City College of New York. Exceptionally bright and disciplined, Adam had a natural engineer’s mindset and a lifelong love of learning.

Adam dedicated the majority of his career to public service in the New York court system, working from June 1963 until his retirement in November 1987. He served as a court officer and later as a court clerk, concluding his career with the New York State Supreme Court. After retiring, Adam and his beloved wife, Elizabeth, moved to Christiansburg, Virginia, where they made their home.

Adam married Elizabeth Theresa Najmy on October 9, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York. Elizabeth predeceased him, and Adam now joins her, along with their daughter, Barbara Knape (Bob), who passed away in 1998. He was also predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by his children: Joseph Plonski (Lori), Mary Yerkes (Michael), and Michael Plonski (Colleen), as well as his 14 grandchildren: Adam Plonski, Charles Plonski, Jennifer Yerkes, John Yerkes (Lisa), Theresa Morris (Frank), Michael Yerkes, Daniel Yerkes, Patrick Yerkes, Glenna Knape, Megan Knape, Steven Sealette (Elizabeth), Christian Knape (Anna), Lance Plonski (Katelyn), and Kimberly Plonski, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Though raised as an only child, Adam later learned he had two sisters, Jadwiga and Anna, who both passed away in childhood before he was born.

Adam was a man of deep and enduring faith and lived his life as a devoted Roman Catholic. His spirituality was not only a foundation, but a meaningful journey. After many years away from receiving Communion, he made a deliberate and heartfelt return to the sacraments, motivated by his desire to live fully in his faith and one day be reunited with his beloved wife.

His faith was active and lived. In Virginia, he participated in Bible studies, served as an usher, and shared his devotion by giving others books, music, and recordings of Catholic hymns and Gregorian chant. Later in life, his weekly highlight was attending the Saturday 4:00 p.m. Mass at St. Cyprian, where he especially loved the guitar choir. He also faithfully attended communion services led by a deacon from St. Giles, where the Gospel was read and prayers were shared.

Adam’s faith extended beyond worship. He cared deeply for others, especially those facing hardship, and expressed that compassion through quiet generosity and charitable giving to those in need.

Adam was also a man of discipline and quiet strength. A lifelong fitness enthusiast, he spent many years weightlifting at home, maintaining remarkable strength and physical conditioning. He had a thoughtful and curious mind and enjoyed collecting coins, art, sculptures, and antiques.

He was a private and traditional man, guided by strong principles. He believed deeply in hard work, often reminding his children that “we were put on this earth to work.” He valued delayed gratification and encouraged his family to aim high, frequently saying, “Reach for more than you can grasp—you don’t know how far you can go unless you try.”

He was deeply committed to education and took an active role in supporting his children’s learning, helping with schoolwork and encouraging them to pursue excellence. His influence shaped generations, instilling discipline, resilience, and a drive to succeed.

To those who knew him, Adam was a gentle soul with great inner strength, a man of quiet dignity and unwavering values. He will be remembered as the patriarch of the Plonski family, whose legacy lives on through the lives he shaped.

Services for Adam will be held in River Forest, IL. on Saturday, April 18th at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 1530 Jackson Ave, River Forest, Illinois, beginning with a 9:30 a.m. viewing and a 10:00 a.m. funeral mass. Burial will follow at a later date at Westview Cemetery in Blacksburg, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial Masses are suggested.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew him.

Short Version

Adam A. Plonski, 94, of River Forest, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026.

Born July 15, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, to Teofil and Apolonia Plonski, Adam spent most of his life in New York before retiring to Christiansburg, Virginia. He worked for many years in the New York court system, retiring as a court clerk for the New York State Supreme Court.

Adam married Elizabeth Theresa Najmy, who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Barbara Knape (Bob).

He is survived by his children: Joseph Plonski (Lori), Mary Yerkes (Michael), and Michael Plonski (Colleen), along with 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A devoted Roman Catholic, Adam was known for his discipline, strong values, and commitment to family and education. His faith was central to his life, expressed through worship, service, and quiet generosity toward others.

Services will be held Saturday, April 18th at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, River Forest, Illinois, with viewing at 9:30 a.m. and funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at a later date in Blacksburg, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial Masses are suggested.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Adam A. Plonski, please visit our floral store.