Alexander Platanitis

July 13, 1926 - August 28, 2014

CHICOPEE-Alexander �Babe� Platanitis, 88, passed away on August 28, 2014 at Willimansett West Nursing Center in Chicopee. Alex was born on July 13, 1926 to the late Andrew and Nicholetta Platanitis in Holyoke. He joined the United States Army in 1944 and proudly served during WWII and the Korean War as part of the 7th Div 32nd Infantry Regiment, Queens Own Division. During his time in the service, Babe received many awards, including the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and WWII Victory Medal. Babe was a truck driver for many years at the former M & M Trucking and also drove Greyhound of New England bus trips, Teamsters, and trucks with Clydesdale parade horses. If it had wheels, he could drive it. He was a member of the Melha Shriners, Masons, and Teamsters Local 4044. Babe was predeceased by his first wife, Lillian in 1998, and his son Andrew P. Platanitis in 1966. He was also predeceased by his eight siblings, Peter, Charles, Helen, Athanasia, Steve, James, George, and Anthony. Babe is survived by his loving wife, Claire; four step sons, Tom, Mark, Steve, and Scott Roe; two step daughters, Dianne Roe Gallo and Debbie Roe; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and extended family. Services for Babe will be held on Monday, September 1 beginning at 9:45AM in the Brunelle Funeral Home, 811 Chicopee St, Chicopee, followed by the service at 11AM in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 410 Main St, Holyoke, and burial at Forestdale Cemetery, 304 Cabot St, Holyoke. Calling hours will be Sunday, August 31 3-6 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Babe�s memory to Alzheimer�s Disease Association, 264 Cottage St, Springfield, MA; Shriner�s Hospital, Donations Dept. 516 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104; or St. Jude Children�s Hospital, Attn: Memorials & Honors Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905. For additional information, please visit www.brunellefuneralhome.com.