Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
98 W. Main St.
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: 419.663.4513
Fax: 419.663.6809
Cell Phone: 419.663.3504
Email: wehfh@eastmanfuneralhome.com
Website: https://www.eastmanfuneralhome.com/norwalk
View All Obituaries from Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
Richard Puglisi, 82, passed away under hospice care in Edgewood, Kentucky, Saturday, May 27, 2015.
Dick, aka Pug, was born on Nov. 14, 1932 and grew up in Norwalk Ohio, and attended St. Paul Catholic School. He joined the Navy in Feb. 1952 and served his country, stationed in San Diego, California.
In 1956, after leaving the Navy, he started his career with Western Airlines in San Diego, where he learned all aspects of airline operations. Dick relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada and was promoted to Sales Manager. His career took him all over the country (Chicago, Illinois; San Diego, California; Denver, Colorado) and further promotions to the role of Regional Marketing Manager. During a furlough from Western, Dick started Norwalk Sharpening Service. A year later, when Western Airlines merged with Delta Airlines, he was recalled to the Air Cargo department at the Cincinnati, Ohio airport, where he retired from Delta Airlines, with 37 years of service.
While living in Las Vegas, Dick met and married his wife, Marna (Jensen) Puglisi in Sept 1967. They spent 18 years in Las Vegas, and had two children, Kathleen and Steven.
In his retirement, he moved back into the family home in Norwalk, where he rejoined St. Paul's Catholic Church and sang for many years in the choir. Over the next 20 years, he often attended St Paul's Flyers games (basketball, football, etc.) and enjoyed watching national sporting events. He was a man of faith and generosity. Dick was known for his love of animals and passion for Christmas. He had an engaging personality and always made time to help others.
Due to declining health, he and his wife spent the last 3 years in Burlington, Kentucky, to be closer to their son.
He is survived by his wife, Marna (Jensen) Puglisi of Burlington, Kentucky, by his children, Kathleen (William) Kalies of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Steven (Shannon) Puglisi of Burlington, Kentucky; by his grandsons; Justin and Bryan Kalies, and by his granddaughters; Savannah, Gabrielle and Riley Puglisi, and first cousin, Margaret (Jim) Lonz, and many other cousins.
Dick was preceded in death by parents, Dominic and Nicolina (Minardi) Puglisi, by his sister, Lt. Commander Mildred L. Puglisi, Ret. Navy, and 6 of his Aunts and Uncles (3 of whom lived with him as he grew up), 5 first cousins, and many other friends & family.
Visitation will be on Wednesday. June 3, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 98 West Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St Paul's Catholic Church, 91 E. Main Street, Norwalk, OH 44857. Rev. Nathan Bockrath, Associate Pastor of St. Paul Catholic Church will officiate. Interment will be in St. Paul Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Elizabeth Foundation (Memo portion of check: Hospice - Richard Puglisi) 1 Medical Village Drive Edgewood KY 41017 or St. Pauls Music Ministry (Memo portion of check: Choir - Richard Puglisi) 91 Main Street Norwalk, OH 44857 or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made by going to www.edwalkerfuneralhome.com.
