Charlie Puzo W1VPB - SK
It is with sadness that we share the news of Charlie Puzo W1VPB passing.
Charlie was a friend to many in BARC and will be missed.
Angelo "Charlie" Puzo
Harwich - Angelo "Charlie" Puzo died suddenly on November 26, 2017 after a short illness surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Michele (Joseph) Puzo . He grew up in Worcester where he attended school and was the son of the late Charles F Puzo and Antoinette (Cassano) Puzo.
His interest in electronics and radio drove him as a teen to take and pass the Novice Class "Ham Radio" License exam. Since then he has maintained the call letters "W1VPB" and has been active in the Barnstable, Provincetown, and Orleans Amateur Radio Clubs. It has been a passionate focus over the years and has lead to wonderful friends as a result. At the age of 82 he passed the Extra Class exam, the highest level of HAM radio, and was a volunteer examiner.
In 1952 Charlie entered the Army where he spent three years combined in the 11th and 82nd Airborne Divisions completing 55 paratrooper jumps successfully. After honorable discharge in 1955 he decided to take full advantage of his military benefits and further his education. In 1956 he entered the RCA Institute in New York to study Electronics majoring in Communication Engineering, graduating in 1958 with an FCC First Class Engineers License in Radio and Television.
He was hired by the Federal Aviation Agency and received further education at the FAA Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. He was employed at the Worcester airport for many years as an Electronics Technician specializing in navigation,weather measuring,emergency power and communications. He was instrumental in troubleshooting and resolving the major power black-out at Logan Airport in the 70s. When opportunity arose he transferred to Barnstable Airport where he worked on beautiful Cape Cod until retirement in 1979.
Always learning, he attended Cape Cod Community College and graduated in 1976 with an Associates Degree. He made Dean's List and in 1983 he was nominated as Alumnus of the Year. His strong interest in vocational education led him to take his Mass. Certification exam to become eligible to teach electronics. He was employed as an electronics teacher at the Cape Cod Regional Technical High School from 1980-1985. In 1985 he became employed as Director of Maintenance at Eagle Pond Nursing Home in Dennis, MA. It was at Eagle Pond that Charlie met his wife Michele and they married in 1988 "until the end of time". He retired later.
He was proud of his Italian-American heritage and passed his passion for the culture along to his family. Nothing made him happier than a homemade pizza or a pasta dinner. His passion for food and music were evident as he frequently serenaded the neighbors with Pavoratti. He enjoyed traveling with his wife in the US and with two memorable trips abroad to Italy. He was a regular communicant at The Church of the Holy Spirit. He enjoyed reading, gardening, home repairs, his bird feeders, and spending time with his family and friends. His love of Jazz music ran deep and was reflected in his support and involvement in the vibrant Cape Jazz scene. He befriend musicians, radio personalities, and fellow fans alike and was known to record many jam sessions at the local music haunts. His musical legacy will live on in Dave Mckenna's recording of "No More Ouzo For Puzo"
His family would like to thank the office of Dr. Floyd McIntyre - He loved you all. Charlie was never short of compliments or a thanks for those he crossed path with and always found the good in people. He would love for all of us to do the same.
Survivors include his wife Michele, son John Puzo and significant other Nancy Moscato, daughter Maria Buhl and husband John, son Jared Wall and wife Kendra. Grampa adored his four grandchildren Daniel & Jacob Buhl ,Jackson & Everleigh Wall. He leaves behind his sister Barbara Puzo Apholt of Hubbardston, MA. He is predeceased by son Joseph who died in 1982 and brother Richard Puzo 2013. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and wonderful friends.
Visiting hours will be on Friday December 1st from 4-6pm at Morris, O'Conner, & Blute Funeral Home in Harwich Center, MA. Services will take place Saturday December 2nd at 1pm at The Church of the Holy Spirit in Orleans, MA with a reception to follow. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Family Pantry of Cape Cod at http://www.thefamilypantry.com/Donations.
Notes of comfort may be made to his family at www.MorrisOConnorBlute.com
Published in Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Nov. 28 to Nov. 29, 2017