Obituary of Joseph A. Puglia

Joseph A. Puglia, Jr., 81, of Pocono Pines, died on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the Weatherwood Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center in Weatherly. He was the loving husband of Dolores (Puglisi) Puglia with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Born in Staten Island, he was the son of the late Joseph and Esther (Tantillo) Puglia, Sr. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Joseph served two years during the Korean War, acting as the chauffer to Colonel Raymond Van Fleet. He then went on to start his career with the New York Times, where he would spend 43 years working as a delivery driver, and a safety and driver instructor. During his career, he became a member of the New York Times Executive Council, a private and elite union. Before making a permanent move to his vacation home in Lake Naomi with Dolores, he was extremely active in Staten Island in the area where he grew up. He belonged to the Community Civic Organization and was a member of St. Theresa’s Church, where he acted as the head of the activity committee. He also was the coach of the basketball and baseball youth association for the church, later receiving the Outstanding Coach of the Year for the youth program. Joseph was just as active with Lake Naomi Community. He served seven years with the Aquatic Committee, was a team member of the bowling league, and played many rounds of golf and tennis. Joseph had a magnetic personality and a wonderful smile. He was well known and loved by all who knew him. In addition to his wife, Dolores, he is survived by his sons: Joseph A. Puglia, III and his wife Nancy of Denver, CO, Richard F. Puglia and his wife Roser of the Netherlands, Michael Puglia and his wife Leanne of Churchton, MD; a sister: Sally Spall and her husband Walter of Breinigsville; three grandchildren: Victoria, Alvaro, Abigail; and many nieces and nephews. The Reverend Father Sean Carpenter will conduct a Celebration of Life Mass at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 21, at the St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 5112 Pocono Crest Road, Pocono Pines. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Joseph, may be made to the Alzheimers Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, NY 10001 or to the Center for American Homeless Veterans, 210 E. Broad St. Ste 202 Falls Church VA 22046.