John Plante

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - John Martin Plante, 85, who loved his family, the ocean, and riding his bike, died May 24 in Tiffany Hall Rehabilitation Center, Port St. Lucie, Fla.

He was born in Massena, N.Y., and graduated from Massena High School and California Maritime Academy, Vallejo, Calif.

Mr. Plante was a snowbird, dividing his time between Staten Island and Florida.

He was 17 years old when he began serving as a radarman first class in the U.S. Navy, during World War II. After his Navy stint, he served in the Merchant Marine for a time.

Mr. Plante was a deckhand on the Staten Island Ferry for 20 years, retiring in 1990.

He rode his bicycle to work from Ocean Breeze every day, and on weekends undertook longer trips, sometimes riding as far as Poughkeepsie.

Remembered as a quiet, steady man, he also loved to read and build model ships.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, the former Muriel Pinto; his sons, Martin and Brian; a sister, Annette Plante; four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

There will be a blessing Monday at 10 a.m. in the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Grasmere.

Services: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Funeral Blessing Monday, June 13,2011 10:00AM

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Saturday, June 11,2011 & Sunday, June 12,2011 2-4 & 7-9PM

Memorials: In Lieu of flowers, contributions to The Parkinson's Association would be appreciated.

Cemetery: St. Mary's Cemetery

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home