Louis Francis Puchnick

Louis “Sarge” Puchnick After valiantly battling numerous health issues for many years like a champ, Louis Puchnick, 92, passed away at the VA CLC, just a few days shy of his 93rd birthday. Louis was born in Forest City Pennsylvania to the late Louis and Mary (Malaker) Puchnick. Lou worked various jobs as a youth, including on a farm and at a hardware store. Not long after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Army, and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. He served in the Korean war, earning 3 medals and the rank of Corporal. Upon honorable discharge after 3.5 years of military service, he then enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in 1954, serving in various capacities from driver’s license examiner to sergeant, at Troop D in Butler. He attended and graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico Virginia in 1976. He retired in 1990 after serving 36 years with the Pennsylvania State Police. After his retirement, Lou had many hobbies and activities to keep him busy. He could often be found tending to his garden or doing various yard work in the Summer. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and could even be found ice fishing in the Winter. Lou also dabbled in the hobby of racing pigeons for several years, much to the chagrin of his beloved wife. He also enjoyed occasionally going to the race track or off track betting. A huge sports fan, there was not a sport that he would not watch. He also enjoyed reading, and in particular he would never miss an issue of the Butler Eagle or his hometown Forest City News. He also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino. Prior to his health issues, he found great joy in meeting daily with his “coffee buddies” to discuss the latest in sports and politics. He very much liked to stay active. Even though he was in his 90s, his mind was sharp as a tack. But what brought him the most joy and happiness in his later years were his two loyal therapy dog companions, Frankie and Brody. Louis was a lifetime member of the DAV, the VFW, the FOP, the Lyndora Legion Post #778, Butler County Law Enforcement, PA State Police Troopers Assn., Brady Paul Lodge, the Slovenian Union of America, the Rail-Trail Council of NEPA, and at one point during his pigeon racing days, he also belonged to the Harmony Pigeon Club, and his church men’s group. In addition to his parents, Louis was preceded in death by his wife, their infant daughter, his three sisters, and his beloved dog Frankie. He is survived by his daughter, Karen, and his two sons, William and David (Jacqueline). He is also survived by two grandsons, Matthew and Luke, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and last but not least, his beloved therapy dog Brody. Lou’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and convey much appreciation and gratitude to the excellent, professional, skilled, compassionate care the staff at the VA CLC provided for him, and also thankful to his cardiologist, Dr. Surendra Sethi, whom Lou often credited with saving his life and keeping him going for decades. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no viewing. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11AM on Monday, December 4, 2023 at All Saints Parish-St. Conrad Church, 125 Buttercup Road, Butler, PA 16001. Military and State Police honors at the chapel at Butler County Memorial Park, Butler. A memorial luncheon in Lou’s memory are being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the humane society or any of the organizations that Lou belonged to.

Louis Francis Puchnick

December 3, 1930 - November 30, 2023