Santo “Sandy” Puglisi, age 92, of 425 Drozdyk Drive, formerly of Stonington and Newington, died Tuesday at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.
He was born on September 2, 1910 in Gloucester, MA the son of Salvatore and Joanna (Giovanni) Puglisi. He joined the Army in 1940 and was an Army Staff Sargeant serving with the American Division during World War II. After securing the island of New Caledonia for the Free French, his unit joined the First Marine Division in the battle of Guadalcanal for which he received a Presidential Citation from the Navy.
Mr. Puglisi later worked as the Dietetic Chief of Production and Services for the U.S. Civil Service Commission and Veteran’s Administration. He was a member of the American Division Veteran’s Association and enjoyed boating, travel, and refinishing furniture.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred (Evans) Puglisi, whom he married on November 2, 1946. He was predeceased by a sister, Frances Puglisi and a brother, Joseph Puglisi.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday from 10:45 to ll:45am at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12 noon at St. Patrick Church, East Main St., Mystic. Burial will be in the V.A. National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.
Donations in Sandy's memory may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 705 N. Mountain Rd., Suite G 102, Newington CT 06111.