Gregory Victor Plano's Obituary
Gregory (Greg) Victor PLANO – cherished husband, father, son, brother, mentor, colleague, and friend – died July 17, 2022, in Miami at age 63 after battling renal cell carcinoma. He was the beloved husband of Lisa, father of Sharon, son of Ellen, and brother of Jay and Vicki. Greg was born January 16, 1959, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was known to be a very active child who loved fishing, soccer, and tennis. He received his B.S. from Valparaiso University, M.S. from Western Michigan University, and Ph.D. from the University of South Alabama. Greg was Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He made tremendous contributions to the field of bacterial pathogenesis of Yersinia pestis through his many research projects, individually and with many collaborators. He was an impactful mentor, excellent teacher and a really good friend to all those with whom he spent time.
Greg was an avid sports fan, the one who always caught the most fish, and a lover of animals (particularly his dogs). His holiday decorations were famous wherever he lived! He enjoyed being outdoors and on the water. He loved Friday nights with family and friends and especially Saturdays during football season. Greg enjoyed all types of games – and had an uncanny knack for winning! He was a dear friend to many and gave back in numerous ways to his university, community and church. He was a compassionate supporter of causes that bettered children, advanced research and assisted those impacted by disasters. He is survived by his adoring wife, Lisa Williamson Plano; beloved daughter, Sharon Louise Plano; cherished mother, Ellen Louise (Ruehlow) Plano; dear siblings Jay Charles Plano (and wife Stephanie Kiyoko Tanaka) and Vicki Lynn Plano Clark (and husband Mark Wayne Plano Clark); several cousins; and numerous nephews and nieces. He greatly loved and was loved by his many in-laws of the Williamson clan. He was predeceased by his beloved father, Jack Charles Plano. A memorial service is planned at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (9225 SW 137th Ave, Miami, FL 33186) at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 23, 2022, and will include a livestream option (streaming will be available on the videographer's "Silvia Fernandez" Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1170998243). Reception at Lord of Life Lutheran Church will be held following the ceremony. His life will also be celebrated by family and friends over a few cold ones at a Marlins home game. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (miami.edu/givesylvester, note gift in memory of Dr. Gregory Plano), American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), Feeding the Gulf Coast (feedingthegulfcoast.org), and UNICEF K.I.N.D. Fund (unicefusa.org).
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