| Date of Birth | January 29, 1961 |
| Passed Away | June 5, 2015 |
| Place of Residence | North Hornell |
| Home State | NY |
| Service Date | June 10, 2015 |
| Service Time | 11 a.m. |
| Service Location | Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. |
| Interment Location | Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, N.Y. |
RICHARD L. “RICK†PUFFER
NORTH HORNELL-Richard L. “Rick†Puffer, 54, passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon (June 5, 2015) at his home on Cleveland Ave.
Born in Hornell on Jan. 29, 1961, he was the son of Monroe and Joanne Hallett Puffer. On May 23, 1992, he was married at the United Presbyterian Church in Hornell to the former Laurie B. Philbrick, who predeceased him on Dec. 19, 2011, after 19 years of marriage.
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Rick was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1979. He received an associate’s degree from Alfred State College and also attended Buffalo State College.
Rick thoroughly enjoyed his employment with RailX and Electrical Power WorX in Hornell as a Senior Design Engineer.
His loving family includes his son, Ryan Puffer of North Hornell; his parents, Monroe and Joanne Puffer of Hornell; his three sisters, Gwen (Mitch) Liebman of Cream Ridge, N.J. and their three children, Megan Wilson, Lauren Wilson-Jury and Aaron Liebman; Nancy (Steven) Holtby of Meridian, Idaho and their two children, Kevin and Kyle Holtby; and Linda (Joe) Bailey of Hornell and their two children, Mark and Joe (Samantha) Bailey and their daughter, Abigail; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Mary Lou Philbrick of Arkport; his two brothers-in-law, Larry (Scott Miller) Philbrick and their son, Ian Philbrick-Miller of Freedom, Maine and Scott (Gina) Philbrick of Long Valley, N.J.; also his aunts, uncles and cousins, including his special cousin, Ronald (Shirley) Hallett of Keiser, Ark.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Richard L. “Rick†Puffer.
Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Cedric Cooper officiating. Committal services and interment will follow at Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the American Diabetes Assoc., 160 Allens Creek Road, Rochester, N.Y. 14618. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
I have always felt like the “Puffers” were part of our family, and not just because their daughter married my brother. Rick made a very socially awkward, geeky, not so athletic, ordinary girl feel like a princess for a night when he escorted me to my Junior Ball in 1981. We had a great time that night and I will never forget it or him. RIP Rick
Joanne and Monroe and family,
I am saddened to hear about the loss of your son, Rick. This has to be such a painful time for all of you. I can only assume his diabetes became the culprit of his death.
I will be thinking about you. My most sincere sympathy and love at this difficult time.
As we go through life we meet people who seem to have the ability to remain positive in the face of life’s many challenges. Rick was one of these people, it was his gift. He was given many challenges in his life but always managed to smile. It was a pleasure to have worked with him. He was always hard working and focused while maintaining that positive attitude. It was his smile that brightened some stormy, difficult days at work. He will be greatly missed. I’m sure the Lord has special place for you. I will say good bye for now and hope we meet again old friend.