John “Stan” Stanley Puddicombe passed away on July 24th in Foster, RI, surrounded by loved ones and fully at peace. He was born on May 17, 1931, in Boulder City, Arizona, to Percy Puddicombe and Elizabeth Arizza.
In 1948, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving 20 years in the Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Seabees, and ending his career with the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He served in both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War and received a Commendation for Outstanding Performance of Duty.
He was stationed all over the world, from the South Pacific to Newfoundland, where he met and married Elizabeth “Betty” Vaters in 1950. Together they had five children and settled in North Kingstown, RI.
Stan worked for 30 years as a Construction Executive, leading projects in North and South America as well as China. He retired to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and pursued his love of sailing, coin collecting, and genealogy. He also cherished his Basque heritage.
In his later years, he moved to Foster, RI, enjoying life with his family and friends. He is survived by his four children: Michael Puddicombe of Vermont, Patricia Bregnard of RI, Robert Puddicombe of London, England, and Lisa Ferns of RI; nine grandchildren: Matthew, Gretchen, and Samuel Puddicombe; Brandon, Amber, and Megan Bregnard; Seamus and Jack Ferns, and Mary Gorham. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, his second wife Carol Stedman and a sister in law Dena Perrine of AR . He was predeceased by his son James Puddicombe.
His funeral service will be held Friday, August 2, 2024 at 11:30am in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the RI Veteran's Cemetery, Exeter. Visitation respectfully omitted.