Rena Plank, Milford Humanitarian, Dies at Age 74

Catherine “Rena” Plank Rahgo, age 74 of Milford, beloved wife of William Rahgo, passed away on Saturday January 5th, 2013 at her home surrounded by her loving family. 

She was born in Harlem, NY on March 6, 1938 daughter of the late Louis and Rose Inzinteri Iodice. Rena moved to Milford in 1963 where she quickly became active in the community. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University and was fiercely proud of her accomplishment. She served on the Board of Police Commissioners as well as the Inland Wetlands Committee. 

She was an active member of the Republican Town Committee, the Milford Chamber of Commerce, the PTA, and a former Girl Scout leader. Rena loved her family, her work and her community. She was known for her selfless dedication to others – organizing fundraisers, offering support, and giving hugs. She was a Marshal of Milford’s 350th Parade and an active member of Milford Pride. 

She supported civic events on the Milford Green from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the Oyster Fest. She was a founding member of the Network of Executive Women. In 1968 she started Milford Realty (later Century 21 Milford Realty).

It was so successful the business was then acquired by Coldwell Banker and she continued to serve as manager until her passing. Her office received numerous awards and she personally was awarded as a top-performing manager every year from 2000 to the present. 

But her fondest professional accomplishment was helping people purchase their first homes and she believed that Milford was a great place to live, work and raise a family. Rena loved to travel and visited many countries from Russia to Norway to most of Europe. She loved traveling in the United States as well and had many adventures with friends and family. 

Catherine was loved and treasured by her children Doreen (Vito) Castignoli of Orange, John (Karen) Plank of Seneca, SC, and Louis Plank of Orlando, FL. She is the cherished grandmother of Rachel and James Castignoli: John, Brian, Justin and Ashley Plank and Trenton Plank and loving sister of Louella Unnever of Milford. She was predeceased by the late Frances Giordano. 

A Celebration of Rena’s Life will be held on Thursday, January 10th at 10 am at the Cornerstone Christian Center (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH), 349 Wheelers Farm Road, Milford, CT 06460. Interment to follow at Kings Highway Cemetery, Milford. Friends and family may call at Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford CT on Wednesday, January 9th from 4PM until 8PM. 

Interment will immediately follow at Kings Highway Cemetery, Milford CT. Memorial contributions may be made to the Network of Executive Women Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 3171 Milford, CT, 06460.