Thomas J. Plunkett, a long time engineer for both the City of Boston and the State of Massachusetts, died on Saturday, December 14, 2013, after a short illness. His two daughters and a son-in-law were with him at the time. He was 87 years old.
A graduate of Boston Technical and the Peterson School for Engineering, Mr. Plunkett served in Germany during World War II, attending the Nuremberg Trials. He was selected for Army Intelligence but the war ended before he could begin training. Nevertheless, he retained a life-long love of riddles and puzzles.
After the war, he held a variety of union offices including one in the Alliance of Electrical and Engineering Workers. He achieved an Engineering 1st class license and became chief engineer at Boston City Hall; Boston Harbor Housing Development and the Charles Street Jail, a time referred to as stories as “When he was in jail.” Later, Mr. Plunkett became an engineering Inspector for the Department of Public Safety. After retirement from the State, he went on to become the chief engineer to oversee the closing and building electrical transition needs for Sears Roebuck, in Kenmore Square.
Family was always most important to Mr. Plunkett. The third of eight children growing up in Mission Hill, he was known by his sister of Joan as “The Godfather” because he was the "go to" person and always "made it happen" for someone. He married Mary Mazzucchelli in 1967, and they had two daughters, Mayre and Beth. He continued to have a positive effect on his extended family, and even beyond. His sister Janice says, “He extended himself for everyone. Friends of my mother's used to call when their children needed help and would ask her to prevail upon his kindness, generosity and influence to help their family members.”
Once he retired, he enjoyed wintering with his wife Mary in Vero Beach, FL. There, he won a series of cribbage championships. He loved poetry and enjoyed reciting endless numbers of poems, both popular and obscure. He was always ready with a pun or a tongue twister that would confound his audience. His penchant for magic, especially slight-of-hand, his famous crystal vibration illusion and his infamous “Boris the Rabbit” handkerchief trick, is legendary. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed sharing books, especially fantasy and adventure stories, with his grandchildren.
Tom Plunkett had an extraordinary knowledge of Boston history, especially politics. He played a supporting role in a number of campaigns of successful Boston legislators and mayors, including John Collins. He told many stories about events on the campaign trail of campaigns stretching back to the 1940s.
He’ll be remembered for his kindness and generosity. He was known to help train and place young men in need of work, and often provided financial resources to support those going through tough times. Through it all, he kept a childish gleam in his eye. His daughter Mayre says, “He was like a big kid. This Christmas, both my Dad and my 10 year old son wanted the same Harry Potter audios.
Beloved husband of Mary (Mazzucchelli) for 46 years. Devoted father to Mayre Plunkett and her husband John Radosta of Jamaica Plain, and Beth Plunkett and her husband Sangtae Park of Glencoe, IL. Brother of Marie Hurley of Hingham, Elaine Murphy of Weymouth, Janice D’Avignon of Hingham, and the late Elizabeth Buckley, Richard Plunkett, Joan Simpson, and Jack Plunkett. Proud grandfather of Nicholas Radosta and Hannah and Grace Sussman. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the P.E. Murray-F.J. Higgins, George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 2000 Centre St. WEST ROXBURY, Saturday at 9 am followed by a Funeral Mass in The Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Mission Church), 1545 Tremont St., Boston at 10 am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Friday 4-7 pm. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Toys for Tots.