George R. Puffer, of Seven Lakes, died Friday, July 29, 2011.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at the Chapel In the Pines, in Seven Lakes.
He was born on April 19, 1936, to Clyde and Thelma (Sanders) Puffer. He grew up in his cherished hometown of Conneaut, Ohio, and attended the East Conneaut United Methodist Church. He played for Rowe High School on the basketball and baseball teams, pitching the winning game in the state regional championship in 1954, the year he graduated. The following year he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Gillum, his loving partner for 56 years.
After George had worked a series of jobs, including JCPenney, the Nickel Plate Railroad, and Lamson & Sessions, he discovered a passion to teach. He graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1966, began teaching high school, and in 1970 was offered a position in the secretarial science department of Erie Community College North Campus, Williamsville, N.Y. During his tenure, George spearheaded efforts to transition the department from electric typewriters to modern technology. He approached his job with compassion and caring, which earned him admiration and affection from students and colleagues. A longtime co-worker described him as mild-mannered yet tenacious, and known to get things done right and for the right reason. He retired in 1994 as an associate professor of office technology at ECC North, and had served as department chair for several years.
He was a longtime member of Orchard Park United Methodist Church, in Orchard Park, N.Y., serving in the Sunday School program, as treasurer and certified lay speaker.
Upon retirement, George and Carolyn moved to Seven Lakes. He enjoyed golf and was a member of the Sweet Sixteen at the Seven Lakes Country Club. He volunteered twice a week at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital.
George discovered his love for music early and was playing guitar at the age of 6. It was a passion he pursued his whole life, more recently performing in local nursing homes, playing guitar and keyboard and singing. On his final day of life he performed for an audience that included Alzheimer’s patients, who delighted him with their response to his music.
George was a man of high principles, a caring friend to many, and when an occasion arose, a noted wit.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn; daughters, Cynthia (Ralph) Darby, of Abington, Pa., and Julie (David) Dietz, of Holly Springs; and granddaughter, Julia Darby. He was preceded in death by his brothers Phillip (Consuelo) Puffer and Frank (Marijo) Puffer; and sister-in-law Bernadine (Yusko) Puffer.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes is assisting the family.