Jun 18, 2013

Loving husband, beloved father

James J. “Pug” Puglisi Sr., 77, of Bethel Park, died suddenly Sunday, June 16, 2013.

He was the loving husband of 56 years to Yvonne “Bonnie” Risch; beloved father of Laura “Pinky” (Byron) Santee, James J. Puglisi Jr. and Jack (Lois) Puglisi; cherished grandfather of Angela, Frank and James J. Santee; cherished great-grandfather of Lacey; and brother of Josey Veltre, Mary “Bill” (Sal) Lytle, Mike, Loretta (Frank) Benigni, Al “Sonny” and the late Ben, Paul “Butch,” John, Sam “Leak” and Carlo Puglisi.

Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, dear friends and extended family.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel, 5570 Library Road, Bethel Park. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 20, in South Hills Church of the Nazarene, Bethel Park, (across from the funeral home). Everyone is to please meet at the church.

Mr. Puglisi was an Air Force veteran.

He played football for Bethel Park High School, and he coached football for many years at Bethel Park High School and Recreation League in Bethel Park.

Mr. Puglisi retired from Nordic Fishery (Benkovitz). At the time of his death, he was working at Giant Eagle Seafood Department in Bethel Park.

He was an avid golfer. He was very proud of being born and raised in Coverdale (Bethel Park) and also very proud of his Sicilian Italian Heritage.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to The First Tee of Pittsburgh, 5370 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, www.thefirstteepittsburgh.org. www.henneyfuneralhome.com