Puccio, Paul S.

CASTLETON — Paul S. Puccio, 72, passed away peacefully, at home, on February 26, 2019, surrounded by his children and family.

Paul was born September 7, 1947 in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Jerilyn (Mccall) Puccio; and father, Paul J. Puccio. He is survived by his mother, Margaret (Dipiero) Puccio; his faithful children, Lauralyn (John) Kulpa, Paul (Amy) Puccio, and Karilyn (Joe) Tremblay; adoring grandchildren, John Paul, Evan, and Kaelyn Kulpa, Acey and Trey Puccio, Dylan and Gracelyn Tremblay. Also survived by a sister, Jaime (Jim) Miller; brothers, Robert (Joan) Puccio and Gary (Eileen) Puccio; sisterin-law Jacquelyn (Jack) Bliss and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Rochester and a master’s degree in public administration at SUNY Albany, he began his lifelong dedication to public service. For more than 30 years, Paul’s passion and dedication effected change in various New York State agencies. He retired as the executive deputy commissioner of the Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). As a young man and father, who believed in government working for the people, he decided to run for the Schodack Central School Board in 1981. For the next 38 years, he challenged the community to be compassionate, inventive, and to al-

, , ways advocate for education and development. He motivated both students and parents to embrace technology and improve our community through education. He was president and a valued board member of the following schools: Tech Valley High School, Questar III, and Schodack Central Schools. In 2010, he was voted New York State School Board Member of the Year. With his vision to promote business and economic development, he was appointed and had served continuously on the Town of Schodack Planning Board since 2006. His greatest accomplishment, however, was the love he shared with his wife and three children, providing for them constant encouragement and guidance. He loved golf and travel, he had the loudest "Dad" whistle in the neighborhood, and enjoyed cheering on all the students who wore the Maple Hill Wildcats uniform. His skill in the kitchen and laughter will be remembered by all those who tasted his cooking and how he told us, "Don’t worry, you’ll like it," when asked what he was cooking.

The family would like to thank the staff of his Hospice Care team for their kindness.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Ray Funeral Home, 59 Seaman Ave., Castleton on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Church in Castleton, where a Mass of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a scholarship fund that will be set-up in Paul’s name to continue his motto: “Passion, Persistence, and Patience.” Checks may be sent to Schodack Central School District, attn. L. Bryda, 1477 South Schodack Rd., Castleton, NY, 12033. Notate P. Puccio Memorial in the memo field.

g Catholic Central High School in 1971 and went on to have an exceptional 40 plus year career in the dental field. Diane was a communicant at Sacred Heart Church in Troy.

Diane was born and raised in Troy, alongside her brother Karl Teitsch and her closest cousin, Phyllis Sanderson. She loved family, friends, travel, looking gorgeous, fitness and new experiences. Diane married Tom Russell in 1979 and they were blessed with five devoted children, Kara, Brendon (Melissa), Mackenzie, Colin and Megan. In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her brother Karl; sisters-in-law, Marian Oost-lievense, Gina Valenti, Dawn Williams; and eight nieces and nephews.

Diane fought a valiant battle against Ovarian Cancer for seven years and requested services be kept private for family only. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her, especially Women’s Cancer Care Associates and Beth from Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please send donations in her memory to: “Night Out for You,” P.O Box 1341, Latham, NY, 12110 or www. nightoutforyou.org.

Visit perrykomdat.com for private guestbook.

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Seaman Ave., Castleton. His memorial service will follow at 5 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to NENY Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 950 New Loudon Rd., #330, Latham, NY, 12110 in memory of Edward “Joe” Scott. g g , y Shafer and Philip T. Woodrow III; her sister, Norma B. Dixon and her sisters-in-law, Alice and Hermalinda Bayly. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Laurel was predeceased by her brothers, George H. (Etta Mae), Thomas L. and Henry A. Bayly; her sister, Agnes B. Salerno; and her nephews, John C. Dixon, G. Terrance Bayly and John B. Salerno.

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, March 4, at Degraafbryce Funeral Home, 4392 Route 150 (West Sand Lake Road), West Sand Lake. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Henry’s Church, Averill Park on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Wynantskill.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army Troy Corps, 410 River St., Troy, NY, 12180 or Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY, 12204.

To leave condolences and for directions visit the condolence page at www. brycefuneralhome.com.

( ) Peterson; cherished uncle of Cory W. Peterson, Shaunna L. (Siver) Lucas, Melissa M. (Peterson) Johnson and Brandon M. Siver. Special close friends also survive.

Relatives and friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, where prayers will be offered at 3 p.m. in the funeral home that afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to American Heart Association, 4 Atrium Dr., #100, Albany, NY, 12205.

To leave a special message for the family, please visit Newcomeralbany.com