Obituary of William Richard Puckhaber

William Richard Puckhaber age 79 of Somers, NY formerly of Katonah, NY passed away at his home Friday September 29th with his family by his side. Bill was born in Brooklyn, NY to the late William and Mildred Puckhaber.  He attended St. Anselm’s Catholic school in Brooklyn and was a graduate of Fort Hamilton H.S. in Bayridge. He received at B.B.A. from St. John’s University and served in the U.S. Army Stationed in Europe. Bill was hired by Pan American World Airways where he met Stephanie Jaye Locke. They were married October 1st, 1966.  Their love for travel and aviation led them to many cities and adventures around the world, eventually settling in Katonah, NY. At Pan Am for over 20 years he rose to President of Pan American World Services. Bill was out of a job and had to reinvent himself. He was heavily involved in the Aviation Industry as Publisher of The Airport Press and the Director of Pan American Training Institute. The JFK and surrounding Airport community was extremely important to Bill. He believed in helping others and enjoyed doing it, he did this in many ways whether people knew it or not.  He was involved with the JFK Chamber of Commerce, The Semantics, The School Sisters of Notre Dame and many other organizations. His real dedication and everything he did was for the benefit of his family. His true joy was spending time with them. A visit to the Puckhaber house at any occasion meant great food and plenty of it. Reading was one his favorite past times. Whether it was for enjoyment, education or to pass on his knowledge to help others. Bill was the devoted and loving husband to his wife Stephanie of over 50 Yrs. A loving father to Stephen and his wife Steph, Bill, Jennifer and her husband Michael. He enjoyed being Pop-Pop to Hollie, Jack and Maddie. Bill was a brother of Ruth Smith, Larry, Robert and Frank. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. He will be missed! His family will receive friends on Thursday, October 5, 2017 from 2-4 & 7-9 at Clark Associates Funeral Home, 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah, NY. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 6, 2017 at 11:30am at St. Joseph RC Church, 95 Plum Brook Road, Somers, NY. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send your contributions to The School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center, www.ssndecwomens.com or The Semantics at www.thesemantics.org.