James J. Placotaris, 79, Owned the Former Plaky's Bakery [Obituary]

James J. Placotaris, 79, of Hellertown, and formerly of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Jan. 4, 2014. He was the beloved husband of Rita (deLeon) Placotaris. They celebrated 51 years of marriage last May. Born in Bethlehem, he was a son of the late John and Lena (Andreoli) Placotaris. He served his country honorably in the Navy. Following his service, Jimmy joined the family business and soon came to own and operate the former Plaky’s Bakery in Fountain Hill. In 1992, he sold the business and began a second career teaching baking at the Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School. He retired in 2000. He was a member of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church in Hellertown.

Survivors: Wife; sons: Michael and his wife Mia of North Wales, John of Hellertown, and Steve and his wife Tonette of Forks Township; grandchildren: Tomasa, Hope, Luke and Evan; and a sister, Katherine Pandelios of Bethlehem. He was predeceased by a brother, Michael.

Services: Funeral Mass, 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1408 Easton Road, Hellertown. Visit the family at the Falk Funeral Home, 1418 Main St., Hellertown, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. Please visit his online “Book of Memories” at falkfuneralhomes.com.