Puchnick

After valiantly battling numerous health issues for many years like a champ, Louis “Sarge” Puchnick, 92, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at the Sergeant Joseph George Kusick VA Community Living Center, just a few days shy of his 93rd birthday.

Louis was born in Forest City, Pa., to the late Louis and Mary (Malaker) Puchnick. Lou worked various jobs as a youth, including on a farm and at a hardware store. Not long after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. He served in the Korean War, earning three medals and the rank of corporal. Upon honorable discharge after 3½ years of military service, he then enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in 1954, serving in various capacities, from driver’s license examiner to sergeant, at Troop D in Butler. He attended and graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., in 1976. He retired in 1990 after serving 36 years with the Pennsylvania State Police.

After his retirement, Lou had many hobbies and activities to keep him busy. He could often be found tending to his garden or doing yard work in the summer. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and could even be found ice fishing in the winter. Lou also dabbled in the hobby of racing pigeons for several years, much to the chagrin of his beloved wife. He also enjoyed occasionally going to the racetrack or off-track betting.

A huge sports fan, there was not a sport that he would not watch. He also enjoyed reading, and, in particular, he would never miss an issue of the Butler Eagle or his hometown Forest City News. He also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino. Prior to his health issues, he found great joy in meeting daily with his “coffee buddies” to discuss the latest in sports and politics. He very much liked to stay active. Even though he was in his 90s, his mind was sharp as a tack. But what brought him the most joy and happiness in his later years were his two loyal therapy dog companions, Frankie and Brody.

Louis was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, the VFW, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Lyndora Legion Post 778, Butler County Law Enforcement, Pennsylvania State Police Troopers Association, Brady Paul Lodge, the Slovenian Union of America, the Rail-Trail Council of NEPA, and, at one point during his pigeon racing days, he also belonged to the Harmony Pigeon Club, and his church men’s group.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen; and his two sons, William and David (Jacqueline). He is also survived by two grandsons, Matthew and Luke; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and last, but not least, his beloved therapy dog, Brody.

In addition to his parents, Louis was preceded in death by his wife; their infant daughter; his three sisters; and his beloved dog, Frankie.

Lou’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and convey much appreciation and gratitude to the excellent, professional, skilled, compassionate care the staff at the VA Community Living Center provided for him, and are also thankful to his cardiologist, Dr. Surendra Sethi, whom Lou often credited with saving his life and keeping him going for decades.

PUCHNICK — In keeping with his wishes, there will be no viewing for Louis “Sarge” Puchnick, who died Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, at All Saints Parish, St. Conrad Church, 125 Buttercup Road, Butler.

Military and State Police honors will be at the chapel at Butler County Memorial Park, Butler.

A memorial luncheon in Lou’s memory is being planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the humane society or any of the organizations that Lou belonged to.

Arrangements are under the direction of YOUNG FUNERAL HOME, 127 W. Jefferson St., Butler.

For more information, go to www.youngfuneralhomes.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.