John Pless

It is with profound sadness that we share that our dad Lt. Colonel John Paul Pless passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, at the age of 96, surrounded by his family in his daughter's home in Ripley, New York.

He was born on September 20, 1929, in Czechoslovakia (in what is now the Czech Republic) the youngest child of the late Jules and Cornelis Pless. In June,1941 his family was able to leave Europe by obtaining rare League of Nations passports. They arrived in Ellis Island and settled in New York City. In 1951, He graduated from Queens College, in NYC, with a degree in Economics., After college, He enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed his active-duty service and then remained in the USAF reserves for an additional 25 years. After his active-duty service, John had a successful career in Accounting and Finance. This began in Buffalo, NY where he met his wife of 65 years, Eleanor. Together, they relocated to Erie, Pennsylvania where they remained, raised a family, and eventually retired. He believed in Community Service and even with his busy schedule always found the time to volunteer for various organizations in Erie.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor (Krawitz) Pless and son-in-law, Paul Stone.

John leaves behind to cherish him in memory, his daughters, Cynthia Stone and Lauree Pless and her wife, Lisa Babcock and grandson, Daniel Stone and fiancé Kaylee StClair.

If you were lucky enough to know our dad, you understand what a truly special man he was to know. He was the consummate gentleman and his kindness, intelligence and generosity are just a few words that describe his character. As a father however, he was the best. We were lucky to call him dad and we often said, “We hit the jackpot when it comes to dads!”

Dad, give mom a big hug for us, drink your very, very, very dry martini, enjoy a great game of handball, root for your beloved Buffalo Bills, listen to your favorite opera and take joy in knowing the incredible impact you made when living on this earth. You are profoundly missed daddy. Until we meet again….

Arrangements are entrusted to the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown, 602 West 10th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16502.

Services will be private at the request of the family.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com