GLOUCESTER: Robert E. Puff, Sr., 86, died Thursday, March 12, 2009 in the Addison Gilbert Hospital. He was the husband of Agnes L. (Cavanaugh) Puff.
Born in Dedham on September 29, 1922, he was the son of the late Lillian (Roedel) Puff and Edward Puff. Robert was raised and attended schools in Dedham, and graduated from Dedham High School in 1940. He attended the Navy School of Music in 1942 and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon his return from military service, he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education from Boston University. He then pursued a teaching career, the majority of which was spent in the Gloucester School system from 1953 through 1983.
In 1962, under Mr. Puff's leadership, the GHS ROTC Band performed “The Post Office March”, written by Carl Meader, in honor of the Postmaster General J. Edward Day’s visit to Gloucester. As a result of that performance, Meader's march was subsequently adopted as the official Post Office March in 1963. Mr. Puff also composed the “Youth of Gloucester” and “Fisherman at the Wheel” marches, the O'Maley Middle School Song, and arranged the Gloucester High School Song. After his retirement from teaching, an award was established in his name, presented annually to an outstanding O'Maley Middle School student of instrumental music.
In the Gloucester community, Mr. Puff could be seen regularly at Gloucester High School football and hockey games. He was a member of the American Legion #98, Rockport, Gloucester Community and Boston Firemen’s Bands. During his membership at the First Baptist and Calvary Baptist churches, Mr. Puff sang in the choir, played woodwinds, and faithfully contributed his time and skills to strengthen each church. In addition, he belonged to The Tyrian-Ashler-Acacia Lodge, A.F. & A.M. and the Scottish Rite Bodies. Mr. Puff led Cub Scout Pack 89. He worked at Magnolia Beach for 25 years as attendant and caretaker during the summer for many years.
Throughout his life, Mr. Puff surrounded himself with music and he loved performing as a clarinetist and saxophonist. From his teenage years into his thirties, he formed several bands, such as “Bob Puff and His Orchestra”, and “The Rhythm Makers”, performing at venues throughout New England. Mr. Puff loved to cook, cane chairs, read history books, and share himself with friends and family. He will be sadly missed.
In addition to his wife, Agnes of fifty-two years, he is survived by his children, Robert E., Jr. and his wife, Nancy of Methuen, Amy L. of Danvers and James S. of Tewksbury. Mr. Puff was also predeceased by his sisters, Ruth Puff and Florence (Puff) Schultz.
His funeral service will be held on Tuesday in the Annisquam Village Church, 820 Washington Street, Gloucester at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Monday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 5 – 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory c/o Cape Ann Savings Bank, 109 Main St., Gloucester MA 01930 for the formation of a music scholarship fund in Mr. Puff’s name.