Roger Pla Jr.

Roger Pla Jr also known as “Papi”, age 73, passed away on Friday, April 22nd in Tampa, Florida. He was a native of Tampa and attended Jefferson High School. A veteran of the Vietnam war, he served his country honorably and bravely from 1968 - 1971. He earned numerous medals and badges.

Roger worked as a boat builder at the CSY and later became a skilled cabinet builder and proud owner of Pla Quality Kitchens. The simplest pleasures in life brought him joy … spending time with family, cracking jokes, dancing, fishing and boating. He was born and raised in West Tampa and was proud of it! He coached baseball at West Tampa Little League and loved volunteering his time at the St Joseph’s Carnival as well as many other events the school held.

He had an effortlessly kind and open personality that was endearing to all who knew him.

Roger is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Ruth Pla, and his beloved children and grandson; son Roger Pla III, daughter Carmen Pla, and grandson Carlos Guerra III, as well as cherished siblings, Carmen Pla-Fernandez, Johnny Pla and wife Ellen, and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends that became family. He will be lovingly remembered, and greatly missed, by all.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 29th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S Macdill Ave in Tampa. Funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 30th at Blount & Curry with burial to follow at the Garden of Memories, 4207 E Lake Ave.