Obituaries

Richard Puskarich

RICHARD PUSKARICH, 72, of Follansbee passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at home surrounded by his family. He was born October 28th, 1950 in Steubenville, Ohio. He was the son of the late John and Mary (Evans) Puskarich. Rich was a graduate of Brooke High School, was immediately drafted, and served his country as a member of the Army 101st Airborne Division, Screaming Eagles, during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Medal and Expert Rifle Award. Rich was selected as a 2018 Honor Flight recipient to Washington D.C. He retired from Eagle Manufacturing/Division of Justrite with 50 years of service. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and the American Legion in Follansbee and held a Black Belt in martial arts. In addition to his parents, Rich is preceded in death by his sister, Shelley (Puskarich) Brown and brother-in-law, Donald Dillon. He is survived by his wife, Deborah (Fulciniti) Puskarich; son, Richard Puskarich and his wife, Angela of St. Louis, Missouri; a daughter, Brandy Puskarich Bradley and her husband, Mark of Weirton, WV; two grandchildren: Allison and Alex Puskarich of St. Louis, Missouri; two brothers: John Puskarich and his wife, Cathy of Weirton and Ronald Puskarich and his wife, Linda of Florida; a sister, Roxane Dillon of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews. Family and friends were received on Thursday, February 16, 2023, with a vigil service following, at the James Funeral Home Follansbee, where the funeral commenced on Friday, February 17, 2023. Catholic Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on Friday, February 17, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Follansbee, with Father Jude Perera, presiding. Following the Liturgy, Military Honors ere conducted by the WV Army National Guard and the Ohio Valley Veterans Memorial Squad. Private Interment was held at Highland Hills Memorial Gardens, Follansbee. Rich’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Valley Hospice for all their love and care, to the many employees of Eagle Manufacturing for their support and love and to so many that had helped, sent cards and prayed during this time. Condolences, photos and stories may be viewed or added at www.chambersandjames.com.