By Joe Wessels
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Mr. Plank

WESTWOOD - Anthony J. "Tony" Plank worked to help children all around Greater Cincinnati.

It was just his nature.

"He made sure we had all we needed, but not to excess," said his son Larry. "All the excesses went to others."

Mr. Plank first began volunteering while he as a salesperson for the Wiedemann Brewing Co., then later, after that brewery closed, for Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewing Co.

He retired as the company's sales manager.

His early routes were in the inner city where he saw firsthand the lives of less privileged children and it made him want to help, Larry said.

"He wasn't a rich man, he was just extremely generous with all he had," Larry Plank said.

The Westwood resident died Tuesday after a battle with cancer. He was 77.

Many organizations benefited from his efforts. Agencies such as St. Rita School for the Deaf in Evendale, Campbell Lodge Boys Home in Cold Spring and St. Joseph's Orphanage in Monfort Heights were high on his list.

"He just had a real soft spot in his heart for kids in need. Of course he enjoyed the camaraderie of the other guys, but it was always kids for him," Larry Plank said.

"Maybe that was what he was supposed to do while he was here."

Mr. Plank was a member of the Western Hills Masonic Lodge 762 and the Cincinnati Shriners.

During World War II, Mr. Plank served as a gunner in the Navy in the Pacific Theater.

A Cincinnati native, he returned home and married. he and his wife were married for 55 years.

In addition to his son, survivors include his wife, Dora "Katie" Plank; one daughter, Dorothy "Dee Dee" Plank of Westwood; and four grandchildren.

Services will be at 10: 30 a.m. today at the Gump-Holt Funeral Home in Cheviot.

Memorials can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3229 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati 45229.

E-mail jwessels@enquirer.com