Lionginas “Leon” Pliura

Lionginas “Leon” J. Pliura, 94, passed away peacefully at his home on August 6, 2009 after a long illness. He was born in St. Petersburg, Russia on December 23, 1914 the son of the late Benediktas and Pulcherija (nee: Navickas) Pliura. His family returned to their homeland of Lithuania settling in Linkuva a few years later. Lionginas served in the Lithuanian Army Cavalry. He was forced to flee his beloved homeland in the spring of 1940 due to the advancing communist front, leaving behind his entire family. On July 17, 1948, while in a Displaced Person’s Camp in Kassel, Germany, he married Felicia Vilipas. The couple immigrated to the United States in November of 1948 and settled in Racine. He had been employed by Twin Disc for over 21years, retiring in 1981. Lionginas was a longtime member of St. Casimir Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir and was presently a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. Lionginas was a member of the Twin Disc 20 Year Club. He loved music and was an accomplished musician playing the accordion, baritone-horn and the coronet. Lionginas played in the Lithuanian Army Band. After coming to Racine he formed his own band and played at many Lithuanian gatherings. Lionginas loved life! He was an avid gardener growing vegetables, fruit trees, and hops. He made his own beer and wine. Lionginas survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Felicia; their children, Brone (Joseph) Milas of Hawthorn Woods, IL and Ramas (Reda) Pliura of Racine. He was a wonderful and loving “Papa” to Kristina (Pedro III) Ledo, Capt. Michael (Capt. Neroliza) Milas, USA, Capt. Paul Milas USA and his fiancée, Erin Civitella, Skaidra and Audra Pliura; great grandchildren, Avery and Pedro IV Ledo, and Gabija Pliura; sister-in-law, Donna Frizelis and her sons, Ed (Karen) Frizelis and Richard (Shelley) Frizelis all of Chicago. Many nieces and nephews, in Lithuania, along with their families also survive him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Gene and Brone and brother, Vytautas. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., on Monday, August 10th at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mark R. Jones and Rev. Cletus V. Uhen officiating. Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery Hwy 32. The family has suggested memorials to either St. Lucy Catholic Church, Saulute (Sunlight Orphan Aid) 414 Freehauf St. Lemont, IL, or the Wheaton Franciscan Hospice. A heartfelt note of thanks to the nursing staff of Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for the compassionate care and support to our husband, father, and Papa.