SPENCER/ELLINGTON, CT.: Vincent L. Puchalski 62, formerly of Northwest Road in Spencer and recently Ellington, CT., died Friday, Nov. 18th at home, surrounded by his family and close friends.
Affectionately known as Grampoo and Unc, he leaves his wife of 41 years, Tuyet (Tran) Puchalski, his daughters Ramona Puchalski Piretti and her husband Larry of Ellington, and Jennifer M. Robichaud and her husband Kyle of E.Brookfield, his surviving brother Robert L. Puchalski and his wife JoAnn of Dudley, his grandchildren Cai, Avery, Vincent, Lana, Elizabeth, Rachel, Alyssa and Justin, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a brother Joseph Puchalski and his wife Thelma and brother Ronald Puchalski.
Born in Spencer, he was the son of Joseph G. and Rachel (O'Coin) Puchalski. Working on their farm throughout his youth would establish his work ethic which would be a defining force in his personal and professional life. He served his country with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Gaudette-Kirk Post 138 American Legion and the Knights of Columbus Council 118 both in Spencer.
Vinny began his career with the Spencer Police Dept. in 1979 as a Patrolman and rose through the ranks before retiring in 1992 as a Lieutenant. During his time with the department he took great pride in helping others, training recruits and protecting the town in which he raised his children. Following his retirement from law enforcement, he began a new career as a truck driver for Metropolitan Trucking before beginning his second battle with cancer in 2015. One of his favorite things about his second career was “seeing the sunrise in one part of the country and getting to watch it go down in another.” He was known for his exceptional skills behind the wheel and over the road. Being away from his cherished wife was difficult but taking her in the truck with him across the country and always lifting her out of the cab of the truck were some of the secrets to a long and loving marriage and partnership. When not working to provide for his family, Vinny relished camping, fishing, feeding his birds, figuring out his phone, eating ice cream and going for walks with his wife and dog. His grandchildren were the center of his life and it was common for them to be at his side learning to catch sea critters at low tide or build the perfect fire. In his final year, he lived every moment by traveling and spending time with his precious wife and grandchildren.
A Memorial Mass with Military Honors will be held from the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 10 am. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer. Calling hours are Monday, Nov. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, a fund has been established to honor his wish that his grandchildren continue to see the world. Contributions may be made to the Grampoo Travel Fund (gofundme.com/grampoo-travel-fund). The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of Memorial Hospital and the St. Francis hospice team with special thanks to Jennifer, Joann and Mary Ann.
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