Ralph L. Puglielle Sr., a Lifelong Newburgh Resident, Dies at 77

Ralph L. Puglielle Sr., 77 a lifelong resident of Newburgh, entered into rest on Friday, August 18, 2017. The son of the late Dominick and Nora (Lyons) Puglielle, he was born June 24, 1940 in Newburgh. He married Patricia (Giammattei) Puglielle on February 4, 1967 in St. Francis of Assisi Church in Newburgh.

Ralph was a graduate of Newburgh Free Academy and Orange County Community College. He served with the National Guard, was a parishioner of St. Francis Church, and was a member of the Elks Club and St. Francis Flames Dartball Team. He retired as a corrections lieutenant in 2001, a long and distinguished career in which he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues. He enjoyed traveling, visits to Atlantic City, concerts and sporting events, and was an avid Yankees fans.

A dedicated and beloved husband, father and grandfather, Ralph most of all loved spending time with his family. He celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife, Patricia, this year. He will always be remembered and cherished by his family and those who knew him for his spirit of strength, generosity, selflessness, and kindness. His infectious smile, laughter and gentlemanly ways will never be forgotten.

Throughout a 10-year battle with cancer, he displayed exemplary courage, a strong faith, and unwavering trust in the Lord. Cancer did not slow him down and he could often be found on a ball field tossing batting practice to his grandson, Robert, and offering him his encouragement and guidance. He could also be found playing dartball with his church team, the St. Francis Flames.

He will be loved and missed by his family and carried in their hearts forever. We were blessed to have him here on earth and now know we have an angel watching down on us from heaven.

In addition to his wife Patricia, he is survived by his children, Elaine Puglielle, Sandra Puglielle Herring and husband Frank, and Ralph L. Puglielle Jr.; grandson Robert Paul Morabito, Jr.; his sister, Jennie Brisach; nieces and nephews, Donna and Angelo LaRosa, Jennifer and Joseph Talarico and Robert Brisach, Jr., and several other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Monday, August 21 at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Tuesday, August 22 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Newburgh, with burial following in Mt. St. Francis Cemetery, New Windsor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Ralph may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Kids Wish Network, or Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.