Carlos Antonio "Tony" Pla', age 42,went to be with His Lord on the morning of Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold, New Jersey. He was the beloved son of Pastor Antonio Pla', originally from Puerto Rico, and his wife, Concepcion Castellanos Pla' originally from El Salvador, Central America. Tony was born on September 21, 1978 in Lakewood, New Jersey and was a longtime resident of Jackson, and in recent years, Howell.

Tony was also a member of Canaan Christian Church of Jackson, founded in 1978 by his parents,Pastor and Mrs. Antonio Pla'.He had the distinction of being the first baby born into the church that year.Having grown up in the church, he faithfully served in many capacities. Having a great love of music and natural talent in singing and playing instruments, he especially enjoyed being part of the worship team. He graduated from Jackson Memorial High School and went on to receive a certificate inAudio Engineering.He used his skills to service many churches, not just his own, in helping set up audio systems and even for the Dominican Republic, where he raised funds to donate equipmentto help a church on the missionfield.In recent years, he took great pleasure in helping the worship team ofthe Spanish congregation at The Church of Grace And Peace, Toms River, NJ.He loved children and enjoyed playing with them and teaching them music.As a licensed bilingual driving instructor, he was in high demand by many who appreciated his ability to communicate well and kindly. Tony was generous, even to a fault, willing to help anyone in any way he could.He enjoyed cooking, playing dominoes, the Giants, and was a die-hard Mets fan, but especially, he enjoyed playing with his little companion and joy of his life, his dog, Rocky. He was proud of his Puerto Rican-Salvadoran heritage and loved his family members both near and far.He loved many in his extended church family.Most of all, Tony loved His God--his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and remained steadfast in his faith even though his life was marked by chronic pain and suffering.

He was predeceased by his father, Antonio Pla' and his mother, Concepcion "Connie" Pla'; his paternal grandfather, Wilfredo "Carlos" Pla', his paternal grandmother, Maria Ester "Lela" Pla'; his maternal grandfather, Agustin Castellanos; his maternal grandmothers, Graciela "Chela" Sanchez de Castellanos and Concepcion Castellanos Fernandez.He is survived and will be greatly missed by his two sisters, Elaine Pla' Alexander of Indiana andDina Pla' of Jackson; his nieces, Mari Elise Duvall and Lauren Konrade both of Kansas, Charissa Alexander and Natalie Alexander both of Indiana; and one nephew, David and his wife, Hannah Alexander of Indiana; many aunts, uncles, cousins both in the United States and abroad in Puerto Rico and El Salvador, and of course, Rocky.

A celebration of his victorious homegoing will take placeat Canaan Christian Church, 88 Frank Applegate Road, Jackson, New Jersey.Visitation will begin on Monday, August 23, at 4:00 p.m. with a special remembrance service at 6:30 p.m.Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m.on Tuesday, August 24 until the funeral service at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River, New Jersey.