Edward "Ed" John Puchalla

Edward “Ed” John Puchalla

Devout in His Faith -

Edward “Ed” John Puchalla, age 90, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of State College, passed away on Friday, April 30, 2021.  Ed was born on Friday, June 27, 1930, in Mount Union to the late Stephen James Puchalla and Verna Agnes (Holesa) Puchalla.  In addition to his parents, Ed is preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Melessa (Wade) Puchalla; and his sister, Joann Madden.

Ed’s survivors include his wife of 61 years, Rose Anne (Krut) Puchalla; his three children: Steve Puchalla and wife, Cindy McInteer, of Norfolk, VA, Donna Hancock and husband, Ernest, of Sun City, AZ, John Puchalla and wife, Debra, of Pelham, NY; his nine grandchildren: Paul, Sarah, Rhea, Forest, Corsair, Sierra, Joseph, William, Edward; his 12 great-grandchildren; his two great-great-grandchildren; his two brothers: Stanley Puchalla, Robert Puchalla; his two sisters: Ann Aurand, Barbara Chiodo; his three brothers-in-law: John Krut, Steve Krut, Jim Krut; and several nieces and nephews.

Ed graduated from Mount Union High School as part of the class of 1948 and from St. Francis College in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in physics.  Prior to college, he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1955.  Ed retired from Nuclide Corporation in State College, after more than 20 years of service working as a contract administrator.  He was a faithful member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in State College since 1962.

Ed was kind and loved his wife, Rose, more than anything and took such pride in his two sons and daughter.  He expected little and appreciated the simple things.  Ed always snuck a wink or a raised brow in delight at a plate of pierogi or with skepticism at family tall tales on the back porch.  He ran to the Weis Market incessantly for that one forgotten ingredient, or maybe for a clandestine puff or two.  Ed loved holding babies and shaking hands, but was no politician; he was consistent in doing the right thing, making himself helpful and retelling his tiny repertoire of goofy jokes.

Folks would remark that he was serious, even stoic but they didn’t get to see him doing puzzles with the boys or playing trains with them on the floors, or bodysurfing just a couple years ago in the Outer Banks.  He surely did love a day at the beach.  Ed’s days of Penn State football rooting, golf playing, and even pinochle waned as he aged, his focus on simply daily activities became more complex, even as he pushed himself to see the grandkids.  He would say, “I’m not taking a bus, I can drive the GWB!”  This also included traveling to Arizona to see family and sightseeing trips with Rose as well as attending Mass.  Devout in his faith, Ed’s daily grace was unfussy, sign of the cross, a few words, then “grab and growl.”  There was pride, always, and no complaints, and quiet, steady love.

All are welcome to join Ed’s family at his in-person viewing on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; and for his virtual gathering of family and friends via video chat or telephone beginning at 4:30 p.m.; and for his Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 310 Hertzler Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Father Samuel Dubois celebrating.  Ed’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory), immediately following the service.  Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of our parking lots.  Interment in Centre County Memorial Park in State College will be at a later date.  Cremation will be private and at the family’s convenience.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in celebration of Ed’s life can be made to Bethany Village Benevolent Care Fund In Honor of Edward Puchalla, 5285 Westview Drive, Suite 200, Frederick, MD 21703, www.asbury.org/foundation/donate/bethany-village/ or St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, 1300 Benner Pike, Suite B, State College, PA 16801.

Ed’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ed’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.

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Virtual Gathering via Video Chat

Family and friends are welcome to join Ed's family via video chat or telephone on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

We use Zoom for internet video chat and telephone conference calling.  There is no charge for you to participate.  Simply click on the link below or dial the telephone number below to be connected to the event.

Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87239123104? with passcode 3421

Join by telephone:   415-762-9988   or   646-568-7788   and enter meeting number 872 3912 3104 with passcode 3421

By participating in this chat you agree to our “Internet Video Chat & Telephone Chat Policies” which can be found at www.Buhrig.com/Privacy-Policy.

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