Leroy L. Platt

Leroy Lafayette “Lafe” Platt, 92, died Friday, April 19, 2024, peacefully, with his family by his side, following a brief illness.  Leroy was born on January 6, 1932, in Kiefer, Maryland, to Owen Alonzo Platt and Mary Emma (Carder) Platt.  He was the second of seven children. Leroy graduated from Oldtown High School, Oldtown, Maryland, in 1950.  Following graduation, he joined his father working for the railroad in Western Maryland before serving in the United States Air Force from 1950-1953.  Leroy was a proud member of the Ironworkers Union (Local #5) and was the owner of Elevator Door Entrance Systems.  He was also an accomplished home renovation contractor.  After his “retirement,” Leroy worked for 15 years at Enterprise Golf Course in Mitchellville, Maryland.

 Leroy married his life-long love, Jean Marie Stotler, on March 10, 1961, in Arlington, Virginia.  In 1962, Leroy and Jean moved to New Carrollton, Maryland, where they still call home.  In addition to Jean, Leroy is survived by his daughter Suzanne (David) McCaffrey; daughter-in-law Lisa Michelle Platt; five grandchildren: Kristin Platt, Lindsey (Casey) Nichols, Carder McCaffrey, Emmamarie McCaffrey, and JonMichael Shedrach McCaffrey; four great-grandchildren: Colton Montanez, Cael Nichols, Isla Nichols, and Avery Nichols; sisters: Nancy Ellen Fortson, Mary Ann Buzzanca, and Josephine Musialowski; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Leroy was predeceased by his son, Michael Owen Platt, and brothers Earl Alonzo Platt, William Leonard Platt, and Donald Millard Platt.

 A member of the Terrapin Club, Leroy loved Maryland basketball and football and had season tickets for over 50 years.  Leroy also enjoyed being a member of the Elks Club and the American Legion and being on the golf course.  He was a world-class neighbor, keeping himself busy helping his friends; a FreeCell aficionado with a winning streak of possibly one million games; and an amateur dissectologist, spending hours and days putting puzzles together.

 Gasch’s Funeral Home, 4739 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781 is handling arrangements.  The family will receive visitors on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a memorial service immediately following.  In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charitable organization of your choice.