Anthony J. Puchkoris

Anthony J. Puchkoris, 83, of Poplar Bluff, formerly of Chicago, Ill., died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Puchkoris was born March 19, 1924, in Chicago. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and had retired in 1984 as an electrician with the U. S. Post Office, in Chicago. Mr. Puchkoris was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served during World War II. For his service he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, an Asiatic Pacific Medal, a Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 Stars, and a Victory Ribbon. He was also a member of the V.F.W. Darious-Garinous Lodge, of Chicago, the AMVETS Post 29, the P.C.E. (R) Ship Rescue Group 852 and the R.S.V.P. Choir. Mr. Puchkoris enjoyed attending the P.C.E. (R) Ship Reunions, and fishing and hunting.

In 1948, he married Mary Glad, in Chicago. She preceded him in death on May 23, 1995.

Survivors include Francis Jean Spain, of the home; sister-in-law, Catherine Gutterman, of Poplar Bluff; nieces, Diana Kroulaidis and husband Jim, of Ft. Myers Beach, Fla., Sue Mathis and Mary Taylor and husband Dennis, all of Poplar Bluff; nephews, Robert Dybala and wife Maureen, of Chesterfield, Mo., John Gutterman and wife Glenda, Charles Gutterman and wife Peggy and Glen Gutterman and wife Ruth, all of Poplar Bluff; and several great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

His parents, Anthony and Petronella Missus, brother, Talisfor Puchkoris, sisters, Stell Isdonas and Antoinette Dybala, niece, Joan Treml and brother-in-law, John Gutterman; and nephew, Wes Mathis also preceded Mr. Puchkoris in death.

Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday with a Prayer Service following at 7 p.m. at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. Father Kyle Hill will officiate. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Kyle Hill officiating. Entombment will be at Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, in Poplar Bluff.