Charles “Charlie” Plumb, 79, of Westmont, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
A proud native of Lemont and a 1965 graduate of Lockport West High School, Charlie’s life was defined by service and community. In 1967, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served a tour in Vietnam. Upon his return in 1969, he set out to fulfill a childhood dream inspired by visits to Tom’s Place in Lemont with his father: owning his own tavern.
In 1970, that dream became a reality when he opened The Pot Belly Pub in downtown Westmont. For the next 56 years, Charlie dedicated himself to the business to create a place for hardworking people to relax and connect. More than just a business owner, he was a friend, mentor, and confidant to generations of patrons. His warmth, dry humor, and quiet generosity left an indelible mark on the town he called home.
When he wasn’t behind the bar, Charlie was almost certainly cheering on his beloved Chicago Cubs, rarely missing a game throughout his life.
Charlie was the first of four children born to the late Edward and Marie Plumb. He was the devoted father of Edward Plumb, Charles “Chip” & Molly Plumb, and Nicole & Robert Lefman; the cherished brother of Candace Richardson, Sue Smith, and Paul Plumb; and the former husband of Toni M. Plumb. His legacy lives on through his five grandsons: Anthony Plumb, Matthew Valenzuela, William Lefman, Avery Lefman, and Benjamin Lefman.
Memorial Information
A memorial service will take place at Cappettas West Suburban Funeral Home 39 N. Cass Ave., Westmont on Wednesday April 8, 2026 from 3pm to 8pm. Info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Charlie’s memory to Cubs Charities, honoring his lifelong passion for the North Siders.
With deepest condolences and prayers to all the Plumb family.
Charlie was a dear friend for over 54 years and will be truly missed. From one Vietnam Vet to another, we will meet again where there are no battlefields.
God love him like we do..
Thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Plumb family at this time.
I met Charlie when My Wife and I moved to Lemont, two blocks down from Tom’s Place in the early ninety’s and it was only a matter of time before Charlie and I would become friends. Milan served the bar in the early days, and we soon began meeting Wednesday night at 6:00pm religiously and it became a staple at Tom’s Place with a growing number of 10+ regulars meeting each week talking Sports and Fellowship. PFC was center stage taking it all in with great times and memories.
Memories that will stay with me & others forever. Bless you Charlie for being such a great friend.
Billy the Book
Bill & Nancy Brooks
Deepest sympathies to everyone in the Plumb family. Charlie was not only a great business man but also a long time friend of my father who visited The Pot Belly quite often in his younger days. May “Pot Belly” business keep your memories alive.
God Bless you Charlie Plumb.
The Kilianek/Vath Family