Latrobe man passed on his love of outdoors

David W. Planinsek’s life was devoted to the outdoors, whether he was responding to an environmental complaint or teaching a child how to fish.

“I’m just one of many that he influenced,” said his son, David E. Planinsek, a state forester.

Mr. Planinsek demonstrated respect for the natural world through his 30-year career with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, where he worked as a waste management specialist, his family said.

A lifelong resident of Chestnut Ridge, he also used photography, hunting and fishing to pass on his love of the outdoors to the next generation.

“It was something that he was passionate about,” said his brother Ken Planinsek.

David Wayne Planinsek of Latrobe died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, at his home. He was 63.

Born in Latrobe on March 16, 1956, he was a son of the late Edward V. Planinsek Sr. and Janet J. (Jackman) Planinsek. He graduated from Greater Latrobe High School in 1974 and earned a degree in biology from West Virginia University.

Mr. Planinsek went to work for the state DEP, inspecting landfills and remediating environmental complaints. He retired in 2016.

He and his wife, Cindy, founded the Louis Planinsek Fishing Derby in the late 1980s. The derby, held annually at the family pond, was one way he taught environmental awareness to the children in his family.

“His entire goal was to introduce kids to the outdoors and teach them to love and care for and respect nature,” his son said.

Mr. Planinsek fished for trout using minnows but enjoyed all types of fishing. He caught a record channel catfish in the Youghiogheny River in 2017. In 2019, he sent in a picture of himself and his grandchildren with a catfish to Pennsylvania Boat & Angler magazine.

“That was him to a tee — introducing young people to the outdoors,” David Planinsek said.

Mr. Planinsek also was known for his nature photos, which he shared with people by framing, naming and dating them. “He was always behind the camera when he wasn’t participating in the outdoors,” he said.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy R. (Butcher) Planinsek of Latrobe; a daughter, Abby Bezilla and her husband, Adam, of Latrobe; a son, David E. Planinsek of Latrobe; three brothers and three sisters; and two grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. today at Sacred Heart Church, Youngstown. Interment will follow at Unity Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Church, P.O. Box 328, Youngstown, PA 15696, or to the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Department, 208 Main St., Youngstown, PA 15696.