Joseph L. Puglisi, 97, beloved husband of the late Teresa Mesiti Puglisi passed away on September 26, 2016 at Masonicare of Wallingford. Joseph was born on June 18, 1919 in Waterbury, CT to the late Salvatore and Pauline Puglisi. He resided in Meriden for most of his life. Mr. Puglisi was self-employed in the trucking business for 8 years and in 1955, he went to work for Suzio where he was a dedicated employee until 1986. He drove limos for 16 years prior to retiring. Joseph was a veteran of WWII, having served in the U.S Army. He was in the Pacific Theatre of Operations, having fought in the Invasion of Saipan and in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Mr. Puglisi was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Joseph was a Grand Knight and member of the 4th Degree in The Knights of Columbus, a member of The Turner Hall for 55 years, the V.F.W. #85, The Holy Name Society, a member of the Board of Ushers and formerly a Motor Sgt. of Civil Defense in the Auxiliary Police. Joe was an avid Gardener, always helpful to his neighbors and especially loved traveling the world. Joseph is survived by his daughter, Diane Puglisi of Meriden; his son Mark Puglisi of Middletown and grandchildren. Joseph will also be truly missed by his extended Mesite family of many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, including his sister-in-law Rosalie Mesite, nephew Ralph Mesite and niece Gina Mesite Mueller who were instrumental in his care and wellbeing in his later years. Joseph was also very fortunate to have the care and friendship of his neighbors John, Richard, Michelle and Warren. He leaves behind his beloved, loyal cat “Kitty”. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 10:30 from the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street Meriden and at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 109 Goodwill Ave, Meriden CT 06451 for a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment with military honors will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery Mausoleum. His viewing will be on Saturday morning at the Funeral Home from 9 to 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Meriden Humane Society, 311 Murdock Ave., Meriden, CT 06450 and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 109 Goodwill Ave, Meriden CT 06451.