Robert A. Plafke's Obituary
Robert A. Plafke, 71 passed away on March 1, 2026, after a long and hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he made South Florida his home in 1978.
Robert was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie of 52 years and his children, James (Jim) and Kimberly. His family meant the world to him and he to them.
Robert had a lifelong love for animals. He was an active part of Dogs on the Move, a South Florida rescue organization that has helped save nearly 9,000 homeless dogs.
Over the years, Robert welcomed many dogs into his life, as well as one special cat, lovingly referring to them as his “babies.” He is survived by five of those babies.
He had a career in sales management, but his true calling was as a personal trainer, where his energy, discipline and encouragement inspired many people to achieve their fitness goals. He loved to cook and was a wiz at desserts—not just any desserts, but the fancy schmancy kind! When you ate one of Robert’s desserts, you were spoiled for life.
He was obsessed with The Godfather, and you would often hear him quoting lines, for no particular reason. He had a beautiful, deep singing voice and over the years would serenade Bonnie with songs by Andrea Bocelli. He was very funny and had a million jokes in his repertoire.
He will be forever loved and greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in memory of Robert be made to: Dogs on the Move by Pawsitive4Life: For donations: Zelle and PayPal: [email protected], https://www.dogsonthemove.org or https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter/187271-dogs-on-the-move-by-pawsitive4life-pembroke-pines-florida
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Levitt-Weinstein Beth David Memorial Chapel, 3201 N. 72nd Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33024 (954) 963-2400.
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