Alfred Kenneth “Hank” Plitt

On Saturday, April 15, 2023, Alfred Kenneth “Hank” Plitt, age 93, of Newark, DE, passed away in his sleep in the comfort of his home, with his devoted wife, Susan, beside him.

Born in New York City on June 11, 1929, he was a son of the late Russell G. and Frances (Cooney) Plitt. Hank attended various New York City public schools, living in North Port Long Island at the time of his high school graduation. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1952 with a degree in chemical engineering. Hank started a 37-year career with Hercules Chemical Company in Wilmington, Delaware primarily in the Paper Chemicals department, retiring in 1989. While working in Hercules, he obtained an MBA from Western Michigan University. After retirement, Hank continued to work as a consultant to various international chemical companies.

Hank was a loving, loyal, gentle, funny man with many interests and talents. In his younger years he loved to sail and scuba dive. Hank was a student of history, with particular interest in Civil War, WWI and WWII supported by an extensive library. He was also a talented artist. In high school and college, Hank contributed caricatures to the school papers. In retirement he took up oil painting, studying and teaching at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Delaware where he also taught WWI history and Current Event classes.

In addition to his parents, Hank was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Gurley; and brother, Russell. He is survived by his devoted wife of 39 years (who lovingly took care of him the last five years so he could stay in the comfort of home as he wished), Susan (Bendetz) Plitt; children, Barbara Courtney, Judith Courtney, Kate Gardos Reid (Michael), and Thomas Gardos (Elizabeth); adored grandchildren, Reuben Gardos Reid, and Noah and Sophie Gardos; sister, Faustin Bray; brother, John Plitt; and ten nieces and nephews.

Hank’s family wishes to extend special thanks to PAWS for People’s Lynne Robinson and her wonderful therapy dog, Tori, for their love and friendship during the past four years. They were the highlight of his life during their weekly visits.

All services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hank’s memory to PAWS for People, Healing Pet Therapy, PO Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714 or online by clicking here.