Dear grieving family, dear relatives, please accept our condolence on the death of our cousin William. We're sorry he left you and we weren't able to meet him. We pray for his salvation and we have in our hearts the hope that we may meet you, his dear family. The Plško family from Slovakia

In memory of William "Raleigh" Plesko, Silvia Plskova lit a candle

I knew Raleigh since high school where he excelled in track! When he worked as an usher at the Strand Theatre he looked like a military man in his uniform. I also became close friends to his sister Marie who graduated with me from Emerson High School. Later in his youth he served our country in the Navy with honor. After that he hired on at Xerox where he was one of the best salesmen on my team out of Calumet City, Illinois. He won many sales trips and awards as his skill at communicating served him well. He left Xerox and started his own computer company where he was successful for many years. During those years we remained in very close contact and had many enjoyable times sailing on Lake Michigan and having regular dinners at my home where my four children got to know and I think, love him. When my two sons, David and Mark passed away, both times Raleigh came to visit and console me. He helped me get though those tough times. He had a keen wit and sense of humor and he was a kind man with a soft heart. I considered him my longest duration friendship and best friend that I ever had in this life. I saw him in July and did not think it would be the last time I would ever see his smile or hear his voice. You were a unique and special man! I hope to see you again on the other side. Love you Raleigh!

I knew Raleigh since high school where he excelled in track! When he worked as an usher at the Strand Theatre he looked like a military man in his uniform. I also became close friends to his sister Marie who graduated with me from Emerson High School. Later in his youth he served our country in the Navy with honor. After that he hired on at Xerox where he was one of the best salesmen on my team out of Calumet City, Illinois. He won many sales trips and awards as his skill at communicating served him well. He left Xerox and started his own computer company where he was successful for many years. During those years we remained in very close contact and had many enjoyable times sailing on Lake Michigan and having regular dinners at my home where my four children got to know and I think, love him. When my two sons, David and Mark passed away, both times Raleigh came to visit and console me. He helped me get though those tough times. He had a keen wit and sense of humor and he was a kind man with a soft heart. I considered him my longest duration friendship and best friend that I ever had in this life. I saw him in July and did not think it would be the last time I would ever see his smile or hear his voice. You were a unique and special man! I hope to see you again on the other side. Love you Raleigh! end that I ever had in this life. I saw him in July and did not think it would be the last time I would ever see his smile or hear his voice. You were a unique and special man! I hope to see you again on the other side. Love you Raleigh!

I have known Raleigh and the Plesko family for over 65 years. We were lifelong friends even though we were neighbors only a short time. I was very sad to hear of his passing. To the surviving members of his family, my wife Jeanne and I offer our sincerest condolences.

I love his video tribute, what beautiful memories, and beautiful pictures. He sure was a handsome guy. I remember him when he was in high school. A perfect ivy league handsome high school teen. Always had a smile. He was always friendly and nice. Gone too soon. RIP...???

RIP, PRAYERS FOR YOU, FROM ME AND MY FAMILY...???

So very sorry for your loss, .you left us too soon. RIP..gone, but, never forgotten ???????

Ellen and I were so saddened and shocked to learn of Raleigh's passing. Although we were two years apart at Emerson High School, we developed a deep friendship that transcended our geographical separation. Raleigh kept me informed about events in NW Indiana, including the fate of our historic school building, the WWII memorial in Buffington Park, and many other matters of import. I even had the opportunity to make a video of his Emerson memories for posterity. We tried to have dinner whenever we were in the area, and both loved Chinese food. Raleigh loved to keep in touch and was the kind of fellow you could always pick up the phone and spend an hour or more in stimulating conversation. He was also a big supporter of my publishing efforts, including my history of Gary, Indiana and novel, The Great Emerson Art Heist. He had a wide-ranging knowledge of Gary history and its neighborhoods and was deeply concerned about the fate of Emerson's art collection. My sincere condolences to his wife, Arlette sisters Marie and Lianne, and daughter, Cathy.

We were so sad to hear from Marie & Lianne of Raleigh's passing. Our prayers are with Arlette, Cathy, Marie & Lianne during this heart breaking time. Raleigh will be missed but now he is with the angels. Best wishes to you all from Georgia.

My sincere and deepest condolences to Raleigh's family, I have many fond memories of Raleigh and I growing up on the east side of Gary and attending Emerson High School. We ran track and cross country together, I could never beat him at the 880. but he always pushed me and made me a better runner. We doubled dated many times with his mom's 56 Mercury, we cleaned it and polished the chrome and even took our dates to the prom in that car. We spent many hours at the park across the street from his house, usually just talking about what the future would bring for him the military for me college. Even though we lost touch with each other after high school eventually we reconnected at class reunions and through emails. Raleigh, thanks for the memories you will always be in my thoughts. Jim Mantakounis

Raleigh was a True Gary Emerson Eastsider. He was a dedicated Track Star in high School who never got tired of running. Coach Connelly loved Wally's Competitive Attitude. Wally never gave up. Wally was the Best.

Wow this was all of a sudden! Just a couple weeks ago I recall receiving an email from you. The East Side Buffington Park crew is getting smaller. Rest In peace and thank you for your service and dedication to the USA. Memory eternal. Pete Lalic

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.