Edward F. Puchalla

Edward Frank Puchalla, 92, died peacefully with his loving family by his side in Snug Harbor, RI on March 14, 2025. He was born February 22, 1933 in Cleveland Ohio to Leo and Amalia (Gliebe) Puchalla, grew up in Painesville, OH and graduated from Harvey High in 1951. Upon graduating, Ed enlisted in the Air Force and served his country in the Korean War as a gunner in a B-26. He flew 82 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Presidential Unit Citation for heroism in combat.

After the war Ed went to Bowling Green State University on the GI Bill to pursue his dream of being a teacher. Fate intervened and he was instead recruited by the CIA and served in the Vietnam War.

Ed’s life was forever changed when, while stationed in Washington DC, he attended a 1966 St Patrick’s Day party where he met a Wild Irish Rose named Kathleen. A whirlwind courtship and romance ensued and Ed and Kathleen were married at Holy Name Church in Providence, RI on October 8, 1966.

The first of Ed and Kathleen’s four children, Margaret, was born in July 1967. With 3 more kids, Eddie, Chris and Dominic arriving over the next 4 years Ed and Kathleen followed the call of adventure and more conventional employment West to Colorado in 1970. After 3 years Ed and Kathleen moved back to the DC area where he worked with his brother-in law at Chicago Title and then as a geologist at the Department of Interior.

Once the last of the kids were through college, Ed and Kathleen relocated to RI to be close to Kathleen’s large family. The move to RI allowed Ed to purchase the boat of his dreams, the Mystical Rose, which he sailed for 15 years all over Block Island Sound.

Throughout the challenges of Ed’s life, a devout Catholic Faith was his anchor and a deep well of support that sustained him. His devotion to the Virgin Mary was particularly strong and this became part of the family life. Holy Family and St. Francis Parishes were the focal points of his life.

Ed is pre-deceased by his much-loved brother Robert Puchalla of Tampa Bay Florida. He is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughter Margaret Thompson(Charlie), sons Ed(Susanne), Chris(Lisa), Dominic(Brooke) and grandkids Jack, Lily, Mae, Louise, Amelia, Sam, Ellie and Libby.

Ed loved his God, his Family and his Country. He was a loving husband, wonderful father and loyal friend. He was a good man.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, March 17th from 4-7 pm in Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield, 02879. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 18th at 10 am in St. Francis of Assisi, 114 High St., Wakefield, 02879. Burial to follow in St. Francis Cemetery, George Schaeffer St., Peace Dale, 02879. For guest book and condolences, please visit averystortifuneralhome.com.