Business Leader, Philanthropist Ronald Plassman Dies
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A leader in the Fort Wayne business community and major supporter of the Turnstone organization has passed away at the age of 81. Family members are remembering Ronald Plassman as a man with a legacy of service to the community, especially to those with disabilities.
Plassman was the founder of Three Rivers Title Company, which he sold in 2005. His philanthropic efforts included major contributions to the Turnstone Center for Disabled Children and Adults, where he also served as a member of the advisory board. The 125,000-foot athletic center on the Turnstone campus bears the Plassman name, in his honor and in honor of his wife, Suzanna. It opened in 2015 and is now the training facility for the United States men’s and women’s goalball teams.
Ron Plassman was the chair of Turnstone’s original Golf Outing at the Fort Wayne Country Club.
“It’s been a sad week around here at Turnstone with Ron’s passing,” said Mike Mushett, Turnstone’s CEO. “He’s not only a financial supporter, but when he was in town, he was here three days a week working out in the fitness center, for just conversing and meeting with staff and clients. He and his family truly embrace Turnstone, and it was more than just a financial contribution.”
The United States Association of Blind Athletes and Turnstone last year teamed up to establish the Ron Plassman Gold Standard Award — presented annually to athletes, coaches and others who demonstrate “the gold standard values that have been lived out by the actions and support of Ron Plassman.”
The Plassmans raised a daughter who was born with physical disabilities — something that helped steer them to Turnstone several decades ago. On Thursday, Mike Gerken — Plassman’s nephew — initiated a GoFundMe drive in Plassman’s name to support Turnstone, which recently launched a fundraising drive aiming to generate $60,000 in contributions to the organization.
Contributions can be made via this link.