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Vinny Puma Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Danielle Nolles
April 22, 2009
To the Puma family,
I only now have learned of Vinny's passing and would like to express my deepest sympathy. I was a "rookie" French teacher at Wooster in the late 1980's at the same time Vinny was starting out there. I remember most of all his great sense of humour and sensitivity. He had a sense of maturity that reassured his students, although I know how hard it was to teach when you are so young yourself! I know that the many Wooster School students who were taught by Vinny have much to be thankful for.
Adieu Vinny, je te souhaite bon vent.
Danielle
Charles Hunt, Chaplain
March 6, 2009
Lisa,
I just now learned of Vinny's death and wanted you to know you all have been in my thougts for some time. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of the journey with you. May God continue to offer you and your children comfort and peace.
Kathleen Capley
March 1, 2009
To the Puma Family: I am an RN who was a student of Senor Puma's for Spanish 101 at JTCC last Spring. He was unable to complete the last few classes with us as he had become ill. We were saddened to lose him as he was a fantastic teacher. I had not been in school for over 20 yrs and I found his teaching style to be sooooo good that I have fashioned my own teaching style after his! I am new to teaching and thought what a better role model than the wonderful teacher I just learned from. I was completely unaware that he had passed away until today. I am so saddened. May your family find peace again.
Lizz Gaffney
November 26, 2008
Mrs. Puma,
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Puma. Every time i speak Spanish, French or Japanese ( I had him for all 3 back to back) I think of him. Although he and I didn't always see eye to eye he was a wonderful teacher. I will never forget when you came to my Graduation Party it meant so much to me. I hope you and your children are well.
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Jae Hong Park
November 12, 2008
Dear Mrs. Puma
First i am sending my deepest condolence to your loss.
I have so many memories with Mr. Puma.
As you probably remember me from the Geometry class and the Saturday extra-help session in 1998, Mr. Puma was more than a teacher for me and all other international students at that time.
Mr. Puma understood that studying abroad alone is tough and he tried all his best to make sure that we did not have any other problems and make best out of our experiences. I will never forget Mr. Puma for his dedication and effort.
I remember good days when we were counting all the "good slips" and talking about my plan for "Out to Lunch". And, I told him that i will be the "outstanding citizen" until i graduate and i did fulfilled that promise.
Also, he guided me through some of the tough times especially during my confrontation with a teacher. He defended me and really understood my point.
I particularly shared many positive memories with Mr. Puma during Japanese class and poetry competition. It is very sad that i would not be able meet him as an adult and show him how much i have grown up. And have a conversation in Spanish. He probably didn't know that i speak Spanish.
I wish all the best in the future and I am sure that he and God will be with you at all times.
Sincerely,
Class of 2001
Kathy Velasquez
November 6, 2008
Dear Lisa,
I just now came across this book for Vinny. I was on edline for my son Michael, and noticed there was a run to benefit your family this weekend, and it made me think of you. I hope you and your children are doing fine. Patti and I think of Vinny frequently and the short time we spent with him. We smile when we remember his wonderful attitude,his facial expressions, and his determination. He has touched our hearts, and we will never forget him and his family. We hope you are well.
Peace in Christ,
Kathy (PT at JW)
Jon Greenfield
October 8, 2008
Lisa and Family -
I am so sorry about your loss and I want to let you know that you and your family are in our prayers.
During my many years at Wooster, I got to know Vinny both in the classroom and out. He definitely made learning spanish fun as so many have commented. I will also always remember the great memories of the hours spent in the Yearbook Room and of course, the fun times during our so-called "coaches meetings" on the front porch of the farmhouse.
Vinny was a great teacher and also a friend. He will be missed dearly!
Kate Reinhardt
September 30, 2008
Dear Lisa and family,
I am deeply, deeply sorry for your loss. Vinny was a loving, intelligent, compassionate, fun person and a friend that one could always count on and trust. As one of the Middlebury "crew", I have many delightful memories of adventures shared with Vinny in Spain and also here in the States. When talking to my friends about Vinny, one of the first things I always said was, "He is truly one of the nicest guys in the world". I meant every word of it, Lisa. There is a hole left in all our hearts now that Vinny is gone.
I will keep you all in my prayers.
Love,
Kate
David and Carla Digrugilliers
September 24, 2008
Dear Puma Family,
While we didn't know Vinny and his family, nor his sister Donna, we have become friends of the rest of the family, Vincent and Marianne, Liz, and Chris, you are all in our prayers. We are sorry for your loss, and we have to remember, Vinny is in a better place where there is no pain or sickness, only love and joy.
Ari Samsky
September 20, 2008
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Puma was a funny, inspired teacher of language, someone who made class something to look forward to eagerly. My thoughts are with you.
Robin Dexter
September 19, 2008
To all of Vinnie's family; I am so sorry for you loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judy & Ed Hojnacki
September 19, 2008
To All of Vinnie's family, my heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you all. We have known Vinnie since he was a teenager. He was funny and fun to be around. He & my daughter were friends. He was thoughtful and caring then as he was as an adult. We are glad to have known him and his family. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.....
becki schumm
September 19, 2008
Puma Family,
Your in my thought and prayers...Mr.Puma was great teacher he always kept me motivated to try harder! i know this is a extremely hard time but be strong and know he is always with you!
Nancy Wright Beasley
September 19, 2008
To the family of my dear friend, Liz Puma: I offer my heartfelt prayers and understanding for your loss. While I do not know most of you personally, I have learned of you through Liz and (for years) have followed the family's loving presence. May you be comforted by the many friends who are supporting you.
Linda Pace
September 19, 2008
Lisa:
The Pace Family was saddened to hear the news of Vinny's passing. Please know that caring thoughts are with you and your family.
Sincerely, Tom, Linda, Andrea and Thomas Pace, III
Vas Bilavarn
September 19, 2008
My deepest heartfelt condolences. Although I did not have the privilege of having Mr. Puma as a teacher during my time at Wooster, during his first year at Wooster, he made himself available as a great friend and supporter to the students.
Oscar Sosa
September 18, 2008
Lisa,
My prayers are with you and your family. I have great memories of Wooster, Vinny and the language department. He was a dedicated teacher with a passion for Spanish. I am forever grateful to him for providing me with the support and guidance necessary to continue to grow professionally. I continue to teach today in great part because of Vinny.
With heartfelt condolences,
Mardee Samsky
September 18, 2008
Please accept our sympathy for your loss. We have such fond memories of Vinny and you at Wooster and we are truly saddened by this news.
Stan and Mardee Samsky, Amherst, NH
Megan O.
September 18, 2008
Mr. Puma was the best Spanish teacher I've ever had. He was truly gifted. I think I learned more in his class last year than in all of my other 5 years of Spanish combined. I am really very sorry for your loss.
Olga (Leslie) Burke
September 18, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Puma was a great teacher and a huge part of my high school experience. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Mandy Sexton
September 17, 2008
I had Senor Puma last semestre at JTCC for Spanish 101. He got sick right before the class ended so we never got to say goodbye. I want all of his family to know how much he meant to me. I enjoyed his class and never minded attending, even when I didn't feel like going. Going to his class was always a wonderful experience. He really cared to make sure we all understood. He was very organized and also had a great sense of humor. I was devastated to hear of his death. My prayers are with all of you.
Diane Wilburger
September 17, 2008
Lisa, your family is in our prayers, Vinny was a wonderful teacher and colleague. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children at this most difficult time. Diane Wilburger
Meghan (Wilburger) Tinkham
September 17, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Mr. Puma as a wonderful teacher and advisor at Wooster. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Sarah Desper
September 17, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sarah Westerberg
September 17, 2008
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Puma (I don't think as a past student I could bring myself to call him Vinny). I first met Mr. Puma in 1st grade in 1991 when the lower school at Wooster was first added. He was kind and a great teacher. It wasn't until high school that I would have him again as a teacher for spanish. I was sad when he moved on from the Wooster community but now this is truly a loss to the community of the world. Thank you Mr. Puma for always being there to guide, advise, coach, teach, and listen. You will be missed. Lisa, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Judge
September 16, 2008
From all of Vinny's graduate school friends: We loved you like a brother.
You made our time in Spain memorable because of who you were and we will be forever grateful.
Que en paz descanses.
Robyn Dahl
September 16, 2008
Dear Lisa, Bryan, and Alyssa,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Robyn, Sydney, & Jenna Dahl
Cindy Casella, RN
September 16, 2008
I knew Vinny for a short period of time but the dedication and the love shown by him, his family, his wife and his children made it an honor for me to play a small part in his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Mary Vincent Ness
September 16, 2008
Mr. Puma's family, i just wanted to tell you how great of a teacher he was. I am very thankful to have had him last year for spanish 2, I learned so much thanks to him. He was one of the few people who took the time and saw the potential in me to do better & pushed me to do so. My prayers go out to you & your family.
Colene Simms
September 16, 2008
Lisa, Alyssa, and Bryan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We were so sad to hear about your loss. May God bless you all.
Jennifer Bailey
September 16, 2008
Dear the Puma Family,
I just wanted to let you know how much your husband, father, son, and brother meant to me. I had Mr. Puma last year for John Tyler Dual Spainsh at Cosby High School. He meant so much to me as a person and as a teacher. Im not going to say his class was easy because It was quite the opposite, but I can honestly say that I have had never grapsed the concepts before his class. He was an amazing person. I remember this one time, I could not figure out the homework and Mr. Puma came in for like a week straight to help me after class. You could just tell that he cared. His dedication to his class as well as to his students was palpable. I feel absolutly blessed to have met him and for everything he has given me. Due to his patience with me, I have decided that I want to minor in Spainish in college. Saturday we lost one of the best teachers that worked at Cosby. My prayers are with you and your family. Just know that he made a big difference in my life and I will never forget him. I will miss him dearly!
Joshua DeJesus
September 16, 2008
Nuestro sentido pesame en este momento tan duro en el que estan pasando toda la familia. Mi hijo Joshua DeJesus tuvo la oportunidad de haber tomado la clase de Espanol con Mr. Puma en Cosby High y siempre hablaba maravillas de el. En este momento donde la pena llena sus corazones queremos que sepan que Mr. Puma lleno muchos corazones con su sincero afecto y carino. Mi hijo esta bien sentido en este momento y al igual que nuestra familia le envian nuestro mas sentido pesame. Le pedimos a Dios todopoderoso que los mantenga en paz espiritual y que recuerden que llegara el momento en que todos nos volvamos a reunir en el paraiso. Que Dios los bendiga a todos y le de eterno descanso al Senor Puma.
Lauren McCarty
September 16, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jeffrey Lee
September 16, 2008
Dear Lisa, Bryan, and Alyssa;
My heart aches for you. When they speak of people that make the Earth a better place, Vinny is at the top of the list. How blessed we have been to know Vinny, and thank you all for sharing him with us. You are all in the thoughts and prayers of our family, and we pray for God's comfort to be with you always.
Jeff and KaLyn Lee
Jordan Tignor
September 16, 2008
Mrs. Puma and Family,
Senor Puma was my Spanish teacher for my junior and senior years of high school, and I honestly could not have asked for a better teacher. Having him as a teacher was such a blessing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Isaiah 40:31
Brittney Burgess
September 16, 2008
Although I only knew Mr. Puma for a few months, he still left an impact on me. He taught me to work hard to earn what I deserved...one of the many important factors of education, and I really appreciated his hard work and dedication to his students. I know he loved teaching us, and we loved learning from him. I know that everyone who has ever been in his presence will miss him greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family to stay strong and to know he's where he deserves to be now and he is no longer suffering.
Erika Maguire
September 16, 2008
It would be hard for me to express how much Mr. Puma affected my life in only a few short words. A student of his for two years, I truly enjoyed the learning environment he created and the enthusiasm he displayed. After having him as a teacher for only one year, I was then able to excel to the college-level, an accomplishment I attribute not to myself, but to Mr. Puma. His immense amount of knowledge and constant desire to enlighten students was what made his class so engaging. Although I never got to tell him directly how much he affected my life, how much of a passion he ignited within me for the Spanish language and culture, and how well he taught his classes -something I will forever be regretful of- I hope he just somehow knew. Whether it had been through my constant visits to his class or my incessant questions, I hope he somehow knew that his class was more than just a block of time to me, but an enriching environment I loved being a part of. Encouraged by him, I eventually studied abroad in Spain, and throughout my college years, I plan to continue studying the language, never wanting to put his knowledge and effort to waste. Although I wish I could attend the funeral, I am away at school and can thus only send my greatest condolences. My prayers are forever with your family.
Julie Bailey
September 16, 2008
Mrs. Puma,
My daughter, Jennifer Bailey, was in your husband's spanish class last year at Cosby. She really learned a lot from him and is saddened by his passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
macie brady
September 16, 2008
Lisa iam so sorry for your lost....... You and your family are in my prayers .....May god be Whith you at this time .........God bless .........
Macie Brady & Family
Lisa, Ted and Megan Leahy
September 16, 2008
We are so sorry for your loss. Vinny will be greatly missed by everyone. I hope your wonderful loving memories of Vinny help lift your spirits. He is deeply missed!
Renee, Doug and Sharon Marie Gilman
September 15, 2008
Lisa, Bryan and Alyssa,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this sorrowful time of your life. Take comfort in knowing that you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. I truly believe that Vinny will watch over you.
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