Prominent Tewksbury Homebuilder and Developer
TEWKSBURY: Walter J. Pupkis, age 85, a lifelong Tewksbury resident and prominent area homebuilder and developer, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2009 after an extended illness.
He was the beloved husband of Mary A. Pupkis, with whom he celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on December 26, 2008.
Born in Tewksbury on February 2, 1924, he was the son of the late Joseph P. and Delia (Yuska) Pupkis.
Walter attended Tewksbury schools and graduated from Tewksbury High School, and the Lowell Technological Institute (Architecture). An avid sportsman, he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox as a pitcher at their Rochester Club. However, following graduation, he chose to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corp, where he served honorably during World War II with Company A 556th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion and was awarded several decorations for his military service.
Walter worked for over 50 years as an area homebuilder and developer and served as a past Building Inspector for the Town of Tewksbury. In addition, he was one of the original members and past president of the former Greater Lowell Home Builders Association and a member Emeritus of the North East Builders Association.
Mr. Pupkis was a lifelong communicant of St. William’s Parish of Tewksbury.
He was a member of several fraternal and professional organizations including the Tewksbury Elks Post # 2070, the Tewksbury V.F.W. Post # 8164, the Tewksbury Rod & Gun Club.
In addition to his loving wife Mary, he is survived by four children, Donna Fitzpatrick and her husband Michael of S.C., Ruth Anne Teague and her husband Frank of Tewksbury, Joseph Pupkis of Tyngsboro and Sandra Giorelli and her husband Marco of Ontario; five grandchildren, Sean Fitzpatrick, Travis and Ann Marie Pupkis, Patrick F., Michael J. and Shaelagh K. Teague, Carlo and Emma Giorelli; three great grandchildren, Samantha and Michael J. Teague, Aiden Emanouil; also many nieces and nephews
Mr. Pupkis was the brother of the late William and Charles Pupkis, Anna Yonaker, Mary Fuller, Margaret “Peg” Fuller and Ruth Pupkis, who died as a toddler.
Calling hours Monday, March 9th, 4-8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral Tuesday, March 10th, at 9 a.m., from the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. Interment at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 are suggested.