George Francis Plautz

George Francis Plautz departed this life March 9, 2023 from complications due to prostate cancer.  

That day, his “life is a stage” exit received a standing ovation with a blustering wind that howled all night. 

Our hearts are shattered and our minds numbed as we contemplate the years left in our lives no longer able to bask in his light, humor, wisdom, talent and love.   

Born March 13, 1955 in Anniston, Alabama, to Arthur Vincent and Rose Vernola Plautz, his smile and laugh were infectious from an early age.  His Bullwinkle and Fractured Flicker humor happily infected his family and friends throughout his life.  No gathering with George was without his insightful wit, unique laugh and his gourmet cooking!  His brilliant way with words manifested early and grew to a lifelong love affair with writing – fiction, puppet shows, plays, songs and musicals (he was Stephen Sondheim’s Number One Fan!). George believed in the benefits of being involved in the theater.  For the past 25 years, he associated with the Wasatch Theater Company in numerous productions as producer, director, actor and playwright. George leaves behind a multitude of number one fans, worldwide, who passionately adored him.

George earned a Bachelor’s in English and a Masters in Linguistics with an emphasis in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at the University of Utah.  From there, he began teaching in Kuwait, Georgetown University, and the University of Utah’s English Language Institute, retiring as Director. 

Then, a three-year teaching adventure in Nanjing, China. His legacy in teaching ESL is his innovative idea to use theatrical performing as a learning technique.  Many of these students becoming lifelong friends.

His father was in the military and his family lived worldwide; eventually alighting in Utah. This is where he found friends with the same enthusiasm for theater. His first full length play, Crimes of Passion, or the Fatal Punch was produced in 1978 by the Salt Lake Acting Company.  He was able to watch his final play, aptly titled The Final Act, from his hospital room, when it was produced by WTC at the end of January, 2023.  

In 1979, George married Mary Anne Greenwell.  Though they eventually pursued different life paths, they remained lifelong friends and creative partners, forming first the Bookspeak Theater Company, and later The Starry-Eyed Puppet Theater. George’s Play Bill of work, in local theater, is incredible. He traveled extensively and did make it all the way around this world!  As he said many times for many situations, “it’s an adventure”.

His love of life was firmly encased, like a cannoli, in all things Italian, since his mother was born in Italy.  Rose instilled in him La Dolce Vita, teaching him how to cook Italian delicacies, especially those from her beloved Puglia. He loved Italian history, art and culture. 

George has gone on another adventure and leaves behind his loving family:  brother and best friend, Rick Plautz (Kim), sister Carol Terry (Sparky), nephews Jesse Plautz (Val), Ricky Plautz (LaTonya), grand-niece Elle Rose Plautz, grand-nephew, and namesake, George Alexander Plautz.  Preceded in death by his parents.  You are forever in our hearts. Go in peace, Uncle G.

A celebration of George’s life will be on Friday, June 16, 2023 from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, when the weather is like an Italian summer.  Cremains will be taken to Italy.  Please donate to Wasatch Theater Company in George’s name, watch Harold and Maude, his favorite film (here’s a quote): “Try something new each day.  After all, we’re given life to find it out.  It doesn’t last forever.”  Finally, lift a glass of wine and listen to Sunday, from Sunday in the Park with George, in his honor.  Here’s a link to the Paris production:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMph_4t5l8I

Ciao, Giorgio!