Age 34. 151 Walnut Street, Chelsea, MA. Born on 10/31/1908, in Chelsea. Died of burns (death certificate). Salesman, Hilhender Electrical Supply Co., of Boston. Known by his middle name Richard (also "Dick"). One of six persons identified by name in an engagement announcement party of ten hosted by Theodore "Ted" Fisher, age 27, of Brighton (Boston), MA, and Miss Betty Cohen, age 28, of Mattapan (Boston), MA, all dead (an early widely-misreported group count of "22" including the wedding pair was overstated). His remains were identified at Northern Mortuary, Boston. Was described as a, "...prominent athlete at Chelsea High school and was well known in semi-pro baseball circles" (Chelsea Evening Record, 11/30/1942). Was known by his birth name "Abraham" through high school, thereafter as "Richard" (or "Dick"). Had attended Bates College, Lewiston, ME. Married future Grove fire victim Miss Marion "Minnie" Chalmers, of Brookline, MA, on 11/10/1937, in Chelsea (marriage certificate). Was a physical instructor at the time of his marriage. Shown as "single" (same as Miss Chalmers) in the 1940 federal census and on his death certificate (name shown on the latter simply as "Richard Plager"). Details of their separation unknown (possibly a divorce or annulment). May have accompanied Miss Chalmers in the above wedding party (likely but not confirmed). Was a lifelong Chelsea resident. One of seven victims from the nearby city of Chelsea (also Oscar Gerson, age 34, Miss Adaline Goodman, age 22, William Roger Kaufman, age 28, Miss Myrna "Minnie" Rubin, age 24, Bernard Supowitz, age 36, and Myer Weisman, age 40, all patrons). Parents Mrs. Rose (Lerman), same address, and the late Mr. Hyman Plager. Burial at Fuller Street (Chevra Torah) Cemetery, Everett, MA (name reads "Abraham Plager" on his stone). Was posthumously included in Chelsea street listings as living with his widowed mother through at least 1946.

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