Joseph A. Puiia

1928 – 2009

RUMFORD – Joseph Anthony ‘Tony’ Puiia, 81, a lifelong resident of Rumford, died Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Rumford Hospital with his son Mario and daughter-in-law, Lisa, at his side.

He was born in Rumford, on March 18, 1928, a son of Carmelo and Rosaria (Laugelli) Puiia, and graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford, class of 1946. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

For several years he owned and operated the Rumford Construction Business and later owned and operated the Rumford T.V Service Inc., with Joseph Penseiro, and after selling their interest in the corporation to a New York Co. he stayed on as manager until retirement in the early 90s.

Tony was a Communicant of St. Athanasius and St John Church, a member Lodge Gorizia 467, Sons of Italy, member Fr. Ambrose J. Barry Council 2091, K. of C., Member Rumford Maine Lodge 862, B.P.O.E., and member Napoleon Ouellette Post 24, American Legion.

He was married in Rumford, in June of 1950, to the late L. Nathalie Dermody, who died in Rumford, on Oct. 24, 2002.

Survivors include a son, Mario J. Puiia and his wife, Lisa, of Rumford; a brother, Carmello J. Puiia and his wife, Pauline, of Rumford; and a sister, Rose Reed of Rumford.

He was predeceased by a son, Antonio Natale ‘Tony’ Puiia; a brother, Nicholas Puiia; and a sister, Teresa Rania.