Joseph John Plick

Joseph John Plick, 88, of Hendersonville, passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation following a period of declining health. He was born August 24, 1923 in Bound Brook, New Jersey. He joined the United States Navy in 1942, and served aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Boxer, during the Second World War.

Joe came to Hendersonville in 1948 to pursue his passion for baseball and played first base for the old Hendersonville Skylarks. He also played for the Gastonia Browns and the Newton-Conover Twins during his minor league career.

After Joe’s minor league career ended he continued to play for several years in the Western North Carolina Industrial League. He worked at the Ecusta paper mill in Pisgah Forest until his retirement in 1984. During his retirement he enjoyed traveling around the country, tending to his garden, reading the newspapers, and watching most sporting events. He loved being around family and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife of sixty years, Earleen G. Plick. Survivors include two sons, Joseph J. Plick, Jr. of Alexandria, VA, James Plick of Hendersonville; a sister, Anna Stig of Somerset, NJ; and several nieces and nephews.

A “Celebration of Life” for Joe will be announced at a later date.