Published: November 07, 2009 06:15 pm      

Richard Puhala

PUHALA – Richard, 70, Johnstown, died Nov. 6, 2009. Born Jan. 12, 1939, in Johnstown, son of the late John and Jennie Basista Puhala. Preceded in death by sister, Vivian Brown; brothers-in-law, Paul Brown and Joseph Spampinato; and nephew, Michael Fiscus. He is survived by his wife, Carol Grey Puhala; children, Zachary, Pittsburgh, and Alexis, Palmyra; sisters, Joan Marie Spampinato and Gertrude Fiscus; brother-in-law, Jim Fiscus; and many nieces and nephews. Richard was a graduate of Greater Johnstown High School and Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in arts and letters and a master’s degree in secondary education. Richard taught English at Westmont Hilltop High School for 36 years, where he also acted as a trainer for the football team, coached baseball and junior high wrestling and helped re-establish and coach the varsity swim team. Richard was a member of the Holy Name Society at St. Therese Catholic Church, was a Third Degree Knight of Columbus of Council 10409 and a member of Elks Lodge 175. Honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1963, Richard was a devout Penn State football and Yankees fan and known for his friendly smile and charismatic personality. He was largely involved in his childrens’ activities and was an official for YMCA and Mountain League swimming, enjoying attending local swim meets and officiating. Richard could often be seen in the community talking and reminiscing with friends, old and new alike. Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., Broad Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society or St. Therese Church in Richard’s name. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Therese Catholic Church, Decker Avenue, Father Bernard Karmonocky. Committal, Grandview Mausoleum.