Bernard “Bernie” F. Plantz, age 58 of Holland passed away peacefully at his home on March 28, 2017 after a courageous twenty month battle with brain cancer. Born May 13, 1958, in La Plata, Maryland, he was the son of the late John B. and Miriam M. Plantz. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Laura Reel Plantz.

Bernie graduated in 1980 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and in 1985, Juris Doctor, from George Mason University.

Bernie had a distinguished career of almost 25 years at Johnson & Johnson before retiring in 2016. During his tenure at J&J, he served as the Senior Vice President, Chief Intellectual Property Counsel, and the General Counsel of the Worldwide Pharmaceuticals Group. Throughout his career, Bernie was considered a trusted advisor and partner to his colleagues, a passionate advocate of innovation and business success and a respected and inspirational leader.

Before joining J&J, Bernie was an attorney for Atochem North America and RCA Corporation and also worked as an examiner at the US Patent and Trademark Office.

For fun, Bernie enjoyed bike riding especially along the D&R canal towpath from Washington Crossing to Frenchtown and riding from Avalon to Cape May during summer vacation. He was also fond of skiing.

In addition to his beloved wife, Laura, Bernie is survived by his loving daughters, Jennifer, Kristen and Hanna. Bernie is also survived by his sister Debbie Sullivan and her husband John.

Bernie’s family will receive condolences on Sunday, April 2, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and again on Monday, April 3, 2017 from 8:15 am to 9:15 am at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00am at St. Bede the Venerable Church 1071 Holland Rd. Holland. Interment St. Ignatius Cemetery, Yardley.

In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory may be made to Bike MS: City to Shore Ride, http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/BernardPlantz