Leon J. Puzzio
February 7, 1911 — March 13, 2006
Leon J. Puzzio, 95, passed away on March 13, 2006 at his home in Stamford. He was born in Stamford on February 7, 1911 to the late John and Sophia Malanowski Puzzio.
He spent his life in Stamford, except for the World War II years. He served with the �"E Company, 391st Regiment, 98th Infantry Division. Leon performed under the auspices of the USO and Special Services office as Master of Ceremonies and pianist; touring throughout the Hawaiian Islands and later Japan, performing for various units with an all soldiers show called The War Hoops of 1944 and later with the 391st Regimental Dance Band, the 14 Hawks. The �"War of Hoops of 1944 made over 100 performances and was considered one of the best shows on the Hawaiian Islands. During the occupation of Japan, the 14 Hawks regularly performed on WVTO Osaka and had earned the slogan of �"Best in the Orient. He played for Bob Hope overseas, Warton Ford and others. He also taught piano lessons as well as playing in and around the state of New York at most all the famous hotels. He is also a member of St. Maurices Catholic Church and a retired member of the local musicians union.
Leon is survived by his wife of twenty eight years, Ruth Puzzio of Stamford; a step son Rick and his wife Pat Binegar; and a step daughter Barbara and her husband Russ Burger and their three children. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends also survive him.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother John and his wife Myrtle; and a sister Violet Schwartz.
Services will be held at St. Maurices RC Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, on Wednesday March 22, 2006 where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Maurices Improvement Project Fund, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT 06906 or a charity of ones choice. Arrangements are being handled by the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902. www.cognetta.com.
He spent his life in Stamford, except for the World War II years. He served with the �"E Company, 391st Regiment, 98th Infantry Division. Leon performed under the auspices of the USO and Special Services office as Master of Ceremonies and pianist; touring throughout the Hawaiian Islands and later Japan, performing for various units with an all soldiers show called The War Hoops of 1944 and later with the 391st Regimental Dance Band, the 14 Hawks. The �"War of Hoops of 1944 made over 100 performances and was considered one of the best shows on the Hawaiian Islands. During the occupation of Japan, the 14 Hawks regularly performed on WVTO Osaka and had earned the slogan of �"Best in the Orient. He played for Bob Hope overseas, Warton Ford and others. He also taught piano lessons as well as playing in and around the state of New York at most all the famous hotels. He is also a member of St. Maurices Catholic Church and a retired member of the local musicians union.
Leon is survived by his wife of twenty eight years, Ruth Puzzio of Stamford; a step son Rick and his wife Pat Binegar; and a step daughter Barbara and her husband Russ Burger and their three children. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends also survive him.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother John and his wife Myrtle; and a sister Violet Schwartz.
Services will be held at St. Maurices RC Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, on Wednesday March 22, 2006 where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Maurices Improvement Project Fund, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT 06906 or a charity of ones choice. Arrangements are being handled by the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902. www.cognetta.com.
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