Robert S. Platt

Robert S. Platt, 82, of Gorham, died on Saturday Sept. 27, 2014 at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin, NH. Born on Aug. 11, 1932 in Modesto, CA, he was the son of Lorel and Joan (Fautt) Platt. He was a 1950 graduate of Richmond Trade Technical School in Richmond, CA, and an alumnus of Healds Business College, Alan Hancock College and the Community College of the Air Force. He retired in 1984 from the US Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant after having served on active duty for 31 years, 2 months and 28 days. During his military career he was stationed in Korea, Germany, England, Italy, Vietnam, Thailand, California, Arizona, New Hampshire, Washington, Illinois, Mississippi and Oklahoma. He served in the Korean Police Action as a member of a unit of the 3rd Bomb Group, and in Vietnam as a member of the 1876th Communications Squadron. He was the recipient of 38 decorations and devices which included 4 meritorious service medals for military contributions of international significance. After retirement from the military, Chief Platt became active in political and civic activities. For a period of time, he served as chairman of the Berlin Democratic Committee and later as Chairman of the Coos County Democratic Committee. He was elected to a four year term as Berlin City Councilor, was Chairman of the Berlin Charter Commission, Chairman of the Androscoggin Valley Regional Refuse Disposal District and later worked as its Administrator/Coordinator, served five years as a Berlin Police Commissioner and 6 months as the Interim City Manager for the City of Berlin. For several years he was closely associated with the U.S. Small Business Administration serving as a small business counselor for the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE). He served 4 terms of office as Chairman of SCORE Chapter 525, Alternate SCORE Director for the State of New Hampshire, Veterans Affairs Officer for SCORE New Hampshire and Veterans Affairs Officer for SCORE New England. The family includes his spouse Annemarie Platt of Gorham; a son Robert T. Platt and his wife Trinidad Saldana of San Bernardino, CA; nieces and nephews including Brett Fagrey of Castro Valley, CA; a sister Joyce Gevertz of Castro Valley, CA; a brother in law Hans-Karl Katzmann and his companion Edith-Wimmers-Wirsig of Heidesheim, Germany. SERVICES: A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Thursday October 2, 2014 at 2:30 PM at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are by the Bryant Funeral Home, 1 Promenade Street, Gorham, NH. Anyone who wishes may make a donation to ones own favorite political party in his memory.