Carl Lawrence Plante of Virginia Beach passed away at home on January 12, 2019. Carl was born on October 13, 1933, to Albert and Mary Agnes Van Buren Plante in Watertown, NY. He graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy in 1951 and then served four years in the Navy. After his time in the Navy, he attended Clarkson College, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. Carl married Lucille “Louie” Reff on October 29, 1960. His work brought them to Norfolk in 1962, and they settled in Virginia Beach in 1966. Carl spent most of his career working for the Naval Air Warfare Center, Naval Training Systems Division from which he retired in 1997. In his 40s, Carl took up running and competed in races from 5Ks to marathons, often placing in the top three of his age group. Carl was an active member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, where he attended until his health declined.
Carl is survived by his wife of 58 years; eight children, Laura (Jeff) White of Richmond, VA, Martha (Jerry) Donoghue of Virginia Beach, Matthew (Shelley Nowacek) Plante of Virginia Beach, Julie (Scott) McDonough of South Riding, VA, Angela (Darren Barnes) Plante of Fredericksburg, VA, Karen (Roy) Alther of Virginia Beach, Philip (Lisa) Plante of Williamsburg, VA, and Douglas (Marcelo Bernal) Plante of Atlanta, GA; seventeen grandchildren; one brother, Joseph Plante of Watertown, NY; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members. Carl was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Paul Plante and Albert Plante; infant twins, Daniel and Jenifer Plante; and one grandson, Andrew White.
The family will receive friends at 12 pm on Friday, January 18, 2019 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 712 Little Neck Road, Virginia Beach, where a memorial mass will be held at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 712 Little Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, or Project Lifesaver, 2509 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.