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William E. "Bill" Plunkett

December 05, 1946 - May 29, 2025

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Obituary For William E. "Bill" Plunkett

Surrounded by his family, Bill went peacefully home to be with Jesus on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer. Bill was born on December 5, 1946, in Pittsburgh PA then later moving to Baldwin Borough where he and Patricia raised their family. After retirement Patricia and Bill moved to Jefferson Hills PA.

Bill leaves behind his Wife Pat (Caruso) Plunkett of 55 years. Todd (Celeste) Plunkett and their daughters Claire and Anna. Marissa (Kevin) O’Malley and Paige and Griffin. Matthew (Amanda) Plunkett and their son Matthew. Bill is survived by his brother Robert (Debbie) Plunkett and many other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Olga Plunkett.

Bill dedicated his life sharing information with others and passing on knowledge to many. Bill was a graduate of California University of PA where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. He then went on to obtain his master’s degree from Penn State. Soon after he acquired his teaching certificates, he began a long career as a Pittsburgh Public School’s teacher. Bill began teaching in the elementary school and then moved to middle and high school where he taught the gifted program and then the first Pittsburgh Schools Magnet Program for Public Safety where he taught the Police/Fire/ EMS program to many high school kids. Bill retired after 30 years of teaching our youth but that did not stop his service to others.

While working as a schoolteacher, Bill began his EMS career as a volunteer with Baldwin EMS in 1979. Beginning as an EMT and moving through all the ranks and eventually becoming Chief of the Department. Bill was the Director/ Chief from 1984 to 2014. Throughout his career he also taught numerous EMS, EMT, Command, EVOC and Rescue classes to many EMS providers in our region. Bill continued to be a board of director at Baldwin EMS as the current financial officer. Bill supported EMS even after retirement by providing his wisdom and assistance to EMS West the regional EMS council. Bill always taught his EMT’s and medics that EMS is simple, just treat everyone like they are family and patient care will follow.

Bill was most proud of his family. A true smile came to him whenever a grandchild was singing in a choir, got straight A’s or won a game. He loved telling everyone what his family did and of their accomplishments. And finally, Bill loved his over 30 plus years of his family trips to Myrtle Beach. He would smile from beginning to end when the entire family could be there. He would spend months planning and setting up a great vacation making sure everyone had fun.

Bill leaves behind a broken-hearted wife, children and grandchildren.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral prayer on Monday morning at 9:00. Mass of Christian Burial in Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Thomas à Becket Church at 10:00 a.m. Please meet Monday at the Church. Please send condolences to www.johnfslater.com.

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  • May 31, 2025

    Vince Mosesso

    My deepest sympathy to Pat and Bill's entire family. It was an honor to have worked with Bill in the field of EMS. His dedication and commitment to excellence was the critical component in making Baldwin EMS a premier and exemplary organization. Bill contributed to the betterment of EMS in so many ways, and to nurturing and mentoring numerous persons to grow and succeed. He will be missed. Our prayers for Bill, family and friends.

  • May 30, 2025

    Grant Friday

    Many condolences to the family and friends of Bill. I was very sad to hear of this loss. "Mr. Plunkett" took me under his wing as a student in the public safety program at Peabody. The program run by Bill and Jim Stupar offered many excellent experiences and training. I became an EMT and volunteered at Baldwin during my High School Years. I completed the paramedic program during my senior year and became a paramedic shortly after graduation. I went on to a career in law enforcement but still work casually as a paramedic. Bill played a significant role in the path I have travelled. He will be missed.

  • May 30, 2025

    Judi Coyne

    So sorry to hear about Bill's passing. a nice man that will be missed. rest in peace Bill.

  • May 29, 2025

    Jonathan Swinney

    There are no words to describe the man that Bill was. At a very difficult time in my life, Bill was a godsend and was able to keep my position at the time with Baldwin EMS active and waiting for me to return one day. He always had a smile and wonderful knowledge to pass along. It was truly an honor to know and work with such an amazing gentleman. To the Plunkett family, may you find peace in knowing how amazing of a man your husband/father was. My condolences.

  • May 29, 2025

    David LaCovey

    I was so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him over the years. A great mentor to many EMS professionals. He will be missed but those he touched will remember him for years. Rest easy Bill.

  • May 29, 2025

    Chuck Johnston

    I was one of his EMT students back in 1986. Bill was a great educator and mentor. I spent 30 plus years in EMS, and now my daughter is continuing the legacy as an EMT with Baldwin EMS. God Speed Bill, you will be missed.

  • May 29, 2025

    David Cook

    It is with sincere respect and admiration for his dedication not only to Baldwin EMS but to the EMS field that I am saddened to hear Bill has passed. From my years at Brentwood always found him to be a total gentleman. Without knowing he set the bar for all providers in the area. My deepest sympathy to the members of Baldwin EMS and to his family may your memories give you comfort at this time.Rest easy Bill job extremely well done.

  • May 29, 2025

    Frank DiFiore

    I had the pleasure of working with Bill at Peabody High School, he was a great educator and leader. We became good friends learning we both went to South Hills High School and I graduated with his brother Bob. I loved the times we had at camp in Mayburg with his William Sr., the yearly cabin trips at Lake Arthur, and fishing with me and Lenny. You have been a good friend, I am glad we had this time together.