Puff

Gerald “Jerry” Puff, 84, of Butler, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him most. He leaves behind a life marked by dedication, curiosity, achievement, service and an enduring commitment to preserving the stories of others.

Born in Butler just 71 days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Jerry was raised in Butler and remained proud of his roots throughout his life. He graduated from Butler High School in 1959 and continued his education at the University of Cincinnati, earning a degree in metallurgical engineering in 1964. While in college, Jerry completed a co-op assignment at Butler Armco, beginning a lifelong relationship with the company and the steel industry.

Jerry began his career in 1964 as a metallurgical engineer at Butler Armco. His ability to solve complex problems, lead teams and improve operations quickly distinguished him as a respected leader. After moving into operations in 1965, he advanced to superintendent by 1971. In 1984, he was named plant manager of Armco’s Ambridge facility.

In 1985, Jerry returned home to lead the Butler and Zanesville Works as plant manager. During this time, he represented Armco internationally, traveling to Japan, China, Germany, England, Sweden and Denmark. In 1992, as Armco prepared for its merger with Cyclops Industries, Jerry played a critical role in helping guide the organization through change and improve productivity. In 1995, he became general manager of the Mansfield and Dover, Ohio, Works, where he helped lead a major $150 million expansion project.

After retiring in 1998, Jerry entered a new chapter of life — one driven by his passion for history, research and honoring the sacrifices of others. He devoted countless hours to studying the Civil War and World War II, traveling to historic battlefields and sites throughout Europe and the Pacific. His journeys took him to England, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Sicily, Midway, the Marshall Islands, Guam, Saipan, Tinian, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Hiroshima.

Jerry’s love of history was matched by his commitment to service. As a lifetime associate member of the Bantam Marine Detachment No. 743, he served as adjutant and bugler, contributing his time and talents to honor veterans and keep the traditions of the U.S. Marine Corps alive. He was also an active participant in the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, helping bring joy to children and continuing his lifelong dedication to serving others.

Jerry believed that history lived through the stories of the people who experienced it. He completed a book about a World War II veteran from St. Louis who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, was captured and survived a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp at Mühlberg, Germany. Jerry found deep fulfillment in supporting veterans’ families and preserving the memories of those who served. He had also researched the Civil War story of his own great-grandfather, who fought, was captured and survived imprisonment at Andersonville, Ga.

From 2005 to 2009, Jerry continued his professional journey as a consultant, sharing his business expertise internationally in Russia, Italy and Germany.

Those who knew Jerry will remember him for his intellect, his humility, his philanthropic service, his love of learning and his genuine interest in people, a pillar in the community. Whether discussing metallurgy, military history, family stories or world events, Jerry brought curiosity and thoughtfulness to every conversation.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Diane; his devoted daughter, Gretchen; his grandchildren, Chance and Sammantha and her husband, Ned; one brother, Dick and his wife, Linda; and extended family and friends who were blessed to know him and be touched by his life.

Jerry’s legacy is one of building — building steel, building organizations, building connections and, most importantly, building bridges between the past and the future. Through his work, his service and his writing, he ensured that the sacrifices and stories of generations before him would not be forgotten.

PUFF — Family and friends of Gerald “Jerry” Puff, who died Friday, June 19, 2026, will be received from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, June 26, at All Saints Parish, St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St., Butler.

A Mass of Christian burial will immediately follow at 2 p.m. at the church, with the Rev. Kevin C. Fazio officiating.

For those unable to attend, the funeral Mass on Friday will be livestreamed at 2 p.m. via www.hvproductions.net/live.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of MARTIN FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.

For more information, please visit www.martinfh.net.

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