J. Plavcan Obituary (1942 – 2022) – Lyndhurst, OH

J. GILBERT “GIL” PLAVCAN It is with sadness that we announce the passing of J. Gilbert “Gil” Plavcan, age 80, of Chagrin Falls, who passed away peacefully under the care of close family and returned to his heavenly home on February 24, 2022.
Gil was the youngest of three boys born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 27, 1942 to Joseph Plavcan and Josephine (Verbic) Plavcan. He graduated from Shaker Heights High School and attended Ohio University. He joined the United States Marine Corps and forever remained a proud patriot and Marine. Leading the Chagrin Falls Memorial Day Services was one of his greatest honors.
Gil is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Robert Plavcan and James Plavcan. He is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Linda McGraw, along with his sons, Jeff and Brad Plavcan, his stepdaughter, Margeaux McGraw, and three grandchildren, Cole, Emma, and Avy Plavcan.
Gil enjoyed a highly successful career in the commercial real estate market, receiving national recognition for his achievements. Steeped in the values of faith and civic responsibility, he donated countless hours to service and his favorite Chagrin Falls organizations.
Two of Gil’s most notable talents were his superb dance moves (ladies waited in line to join him in a jitterbug) and his master storytelling skills, which were executed with perfect cadence leaving his audience riveted.
To Jeff and Brad, Gil is “POPS” who loved them unconditionally. To Margeaux’s friends, he is the “Best Stepdad Ever”. The priceless gift he gave Linda was to love and treat Margeaux as his own. To the adult children of his friends, he continues to be “Uncle Gil”.
Gil had three groups of close friends he referred to as “The Boys”. These were friendships he nurtured and cherished and whose lives were intricately woven throughout his life. First and foremost, his own boys, Jeff and Brad, his “OU Boys” (Ohio University buddies) and his “Chagrin Boys” (Chagrin Falls friends).
Above all, Gil treasured his roles as parent and friend. He was a kind, gentle man whose magnetic personality and uncanny ability to form deep, enduring bonds with people from all walks of life, spanning multiple generations will be his legacy. Gil’s was a life well lived.
We are forever grateful for the compassionate care of the Cleveland Clinic Hospice Team. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made in his honor to Rescue Village, 15463 Chillicothe Rd., Novelty, OH 44072. A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life reception will be held in May 2022.

Published by Legacy on Mar. 2, 2022.