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Donald PUFF Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald PUFF
Bud Plant
January 14, 2023
Best wishes to the Puff family and Jaime, who I worked with briefly over the years. Don´s name comes up among us comic book people, as one of the very good guys. I so enjoyed our calls, and his occasional mentions of his heroic part in World War II. My good friend....
Bud Plant
January 14, 2022
I think about Don frequently. I have so many comics that I bought from him over the years, and fortunately I have a system of ID-ing who I buy books from, so my list is riddled with "Puff VG" and "Puff GVG" to note the grade and who it came from. I usually keep his price tags on them also.
This is called Provenance in the antiquarian book business, knowing what hands a book has passed thru. But comics collectors pretty much disregard it, sadly. I like to know where my books came from, and it´s a pleasure when they remind me of dealing with Don. I´m sorry we never got to meet, but we were kindred spirits even while I was a generation removed from him. That´s what comics do, they give us a common bond no matter our age or politics or where we live. We miss you, my friend.
Bud Plant
July 21, 2021
I was just send a friend information about the old time comic book dealers and wanting to confirm Don's passing date, stumbled onto your site. I only knew Don by phone and by letter correspondance, but I loved the guy. He was so much fun to talk to. I bought comics from Don for years and years, through the mail. We did trades, negociated prices, and occasionally he'd mention his history in the service, battles in WWII, his collecting Captain America and how he was doing filling out the last books in his run. I was very sad when Don's wife passed away, and as time went on, I know he was having a hard time getting up and down the stairs at home to deal with his comics. What a trooper. And its obvious his coaching students loved him also. So I just wanted to leave this note. Jaime, you may remember me, you repaired a few comics for me way back. I hope that you are doing well. I'm 69 now, so I guess I'm becoming one of the "old-timers" that I used to rank Don in. Fortunately love of comics puts us all on even footing, no matter what your age. We all share that passion for collecting and dealing and sharing with one another.
Dorothy Ciminelli/Delmonte
January 27, 2015
Don Puff was a great part of our lives since childhood. My brothers, Lenny and Larry Ciminelli played football for him at CHHS in the 50's, and we often shared spaghetti dinners together at my Mom Bridget's house, when she hosted the entire team for a meal. Those were wonderful days, when an entire school athletic department rallied around our widowed mother to help see her sons through school. We will never forget the kindness.
As adults, my husband, Paul and I often met Don at Antique World or Wegman's, where we shared our memories, including our losses.(I remember Don's sadness, when he lost Mrs. Puff, and we talked about the tragic death of my brother, Lenny.)
We will always remember Don and the years we shared. We thank him for touching the lives of our entire family.
Peace and Love,
Dorothy Ciminelli Delmonte
Judy Farrell (Nieman)
January 26, 2015
Not only did Coach Puff teach and impact young students but mature ones as well. My mom used to go to adult swim at CHHS - on Tuesday nights when I was a kid. I believe she went mainly because of your dad and how he inspired her to learn to swim as an adult and overcome her fears. Years later I had the privilege of spending time with Don at the fellowship and I marveled that he still remembered my mom and had nothing but kind words for her. He was a great person and touched many lives in a deep and profound way. You have my sincere condolences.
JACK YANNO
January 23, 2015
Puff family,
It was sad for me to hear of Don's passing. As a young teacher and coach at Maryvale Don was a mentor and friend for me over many years. Despite our competing against each other I truly enjoyed being his friend.
Savor the memories of a wonderful man who was an inspiration to countless youth and friends like myself who came in to his contact. May God bless you at this sad time.
Jack a. Yanno
Robert Miller
January 22, 2015
Like many others, I swam for your Dad/Grandad. In return, he helped us become better people. He cared about us as individuals, and winning followed from that.
Sharing in your grief at losing him.
Nancy Kochanski Schaus
January 22, 2015
To the Puff Family, My Condolences and Prayers for your family. Your Dad was a GREAT man who influenced Many lives at "CHHS" Thank You for Sharing him with us! Once an EAGLE ALWAYS AN EAGLE SOARING ABOVE US NOW & cetain he will be watching and guiding from the Heavens with his WINGS Expanded :) May he R.I.P.
January 22, 2015
Remembering a Great Man with love.Tom and Paul Aquilina
Jim Romanello
January 22, 2015
Mr.Puff gave me great lessons in life. I have not seen him since he was my coach and mentor. His lessons were with me my whole life.
David Foley
January 21, 2015
Like a father to me and a lot of other boys & men from CHHS & the fellowship. In my thoughts often. A real American hero & a true friend.
Robert Beck
January 21, 2015
To the Puff family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Coach Puff; you will be missed. Thank you very much for the lesson learned on and off the football field. (I never was late to another first practice of the season because of you; and 25 gassers after THE GOLDEN EAGLE TEST.) Rest in Peace Coach Puff
Charlie Piske
January 21, 2015
"Mr. Puff" he will always be to me ...I have always had the greatest of respect for him as a teacher, coach and mentor. Besides being a teacher I always considered him a friend. He will be missed....One of the Great Ones !!!!!
A Swim Mom
January 21, 2015
Thank you Mr. Puff for having an incredible impact on the sport of swimming. Your spirit will live on at the Puff Invitational at Cleve-Hill, which opens its doors to all HS swimmers to celebrate the love of swim. Thank you for all you have done for the young people in our community.
Jim McTaggart
January 21, 2015
unsung hero of WWII,last of a breed and the greatest generation. He taught me well and I always appreciated him and what he stood for. class of 1964 and those championship years.
Emil Novak Jr.
January 21, 2015
Great guy, loved talking to him. Loved his stories. Happy i got to meet him. Will be missed!
David C
January 21, 2015
To the Puff family.
I spent many Sunday mornings with both Don & Adele at Clarence Antique World. I enjoyed both of them and loved talking with Don about everything. He was a great guy and will be greatly missed. Antique World will never be the same.
January 21, 2015
Dear Donnie, Michael and Jayme,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We'll miss our phone calls to Uncle Don.He always made us laugh.
Kim Feeley Deehan and family
Charles Sieber
January 21, 2015
My Teacher, My Coach, My Friend may you rest in peace Don Puff, job well done.
Tom Kulaszewski
January 21, 2015
To the entire Puff Family:
What a wonderful legacy Mr. Puff as left behind. The entire Cleveland Hill community is mourning with you.
Tina Harber
January 21, 2015
To the Puff Family, So very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was such a great man. I used to wait on him at The Wehrle Restaurant every day for breakfast and he would tell me funny stories. R.I.P. Don Puff. I'm so glad I was able to see him at his 80th. birthday party.
Adam Martin
January 21, 2015
Don was a pioneer in the sports card and comic industry who helped me greatly 25 years ago , as a young man just getting started in this business. If it weren't for Don, I would not be where I am today.
Our deepest sympathies,
Adam Martin & the staff of Dave & Adam's Card World.
Tim Zayatz
January 21, 2015
From that day in the rain under the tree at Hickey's buying a '70 Clemente for $2.50 to when Greg bought the T202 Cobb that u bent in half taking it off the board, we'll never forget the quality person we became friends w, the tough-as-nails football coach, and the WWII vet and Iwo Jima stories.. Thank you for ur life and service to this country....... With great respect R.I.P. -- tim zayatz, Baltimore
Steve LaRue
January 21, 2015
Coach,
Thanks for the inspiration!
Kathy Meissner Ryan
January 21, 2015
I want to express my condolences to you on the passing of your father. He was my swim coach in the 60's and I have many fond memories of him and all he taught me.
Caren Lunetta Stegner
January 21, 2015
Your Dad has been greatly missed at Lunetta's. He was a character larger than life and he always made us laugh! And what a fighter he was! My deepest sympathy is with all of you.
Greg Zayatz
January 20, 2015
Rest in Peace, my friend of MANY years in our hobbies! You taught me MUCH about many things, including life!
Suzen Jacob
January 20, 2015
Dear Jayme, Donnie & Mike,
Sending our love and condolences to you and your families. We loved Uncle Don.
Sue & Jerry Jacob & family
John Wild
January 20, 2015
Great Friend. Mentor. Teacher. Thank you for everything. Peace.
Tracey
January 20, 2015
Dear Donnie, Jayme and Michael,
So sorry to hear about Uncle Don, he really was one of a kind. Sending our thoughts and prayers from New Jersey.
Tracey Knewitz and Family
Richard Talmon
January 20, 2015
RIP Don Puff and thank you for your years of teaching at Cleveland Hill High. Class of 1962.I remember you well.
January 20, 2015
Don saved my life
Maria Wolf
January 20, 2015
Jayme, Chuck and family. So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. Stay Strong.
January 20, 2015
To the Puff family, My most heartfelt condolences on Don's passing. I spent countless Sundays with Don at the Clarence Flea Market for the better part of twenty years, We were fast friends when we met both having the Marine Corps. in common. He was one of the last of the "Old Breed" of the Marine Corps. and a proud Veteran of Iwo Jima. Semper Fi Don, I'll miss You,
Dave Schenne
Colden New York
Coach and His Sidekick, Sake 2014
Carolyn Pierce
January 20, 2015
My life, and so many others, were made so much better by having Don Puff in it. His example as a fine man, helped to mold my grandsons, Jacob and Stephen, into the fine men they are today. so long, Pal.
Cheryl Wolf
January 20, 2015
Don made a huge impact on our family, he was a great friend of my dad's (and his gym coach years prior) and in turn became a friend to our entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
The Wolf Family
Darren Tucci
January 20, 2015
Don was the grand daddy of comic book dealers since I was a kid. I purchased my first comic book convention comic from him back in the mid 70s. Here's a story I need to recant, from an event that happened just a little while after his wife had sadly passed. I was visiting him at his stand at Antique World and had brought my wife with me. As usual, Don was sharp as a tack. He saw my wife putting up with me, and then proceeded to watch her head off to hang out by a rock near the kettle popcorn machine to wait for me. I was in my own little world, bringing Don stacks of books I was intent on buying. Each and every time I did, Don would look at me and go "ok, is that all?" I'd reply, gleefully, "nope, not yet!" I'd laugh, and happily go back in to look some more. After about three times of doing this, he got a bit more gruff "ain't you done YET!?!?!" he barked. I looked at him and noticed he was very serious. I smiled and said "well, no, I'm still...." and with that he grabbed me by the shoulder in a gentle but firm way. He said "C'mere a second...." and walked me outside to the front of his shed. He pointed to my wife who was sitting in the sun, wind blowing her hair just looking around patiently. "You see THAT!?.... listen to me.... YER DONE!" At that point I got what he was trying to tell me. He had lost his wife some months before this moment and in his wise, old way was telling me "Look... comic books are great, but you have a GREAT woman like THAT in your life. Don't make her wait". I said thank you, he slapped me on the back and said "See ya next Sunday!" and with a smile and wink I left with my wife. THAT is the memory I'll always carry with me forever about Don, and the type of character he was. RIP my good friend.
Donna Babinski
January 20, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers to Coach Puff's family. He was one unique individual who had a huge impact on so many young students. We are fortunate to have known him. I have fun memories of working with him during the summer at the CHHS pool...always fun to be with him.
Sarah & Dakota Carroll
January 20, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. I have heard amazing stories about him from Jacob and I know he will be missed deeply.
Art Couchman
January 20, 2015
Semper Fi, Mr. Puff. My condolences to the family.
David Kohlhagen
January 20, 2015
Don Puff was one of a kind and will be missed by everyone that had the privilege to have him as a teacher, coach and a friend. Thank you Mr. Puff, for "ALL" you did for so many...
January 20, 2015
Dear cousins,mew are so sorry about the loss of your Dad, our Uncle Don. We loved calling to say Hi ! He always had a funny story! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Love, Bobbi feeley and Jeff Helman
Maureen Baiocco
January 20, 2015
Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Puff Family. Don was a great teacher, coach, mentor to so many who have been positively influenced by his guidance.
Jim Macie
January 20, 2015
I knew Don for many years when we would both set up at Ted Hanes, local comic book and sports cards shows. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace and may God comfort those who mourn his loss.
Bruce Chmura
January 20, 2015
I met Don in 1972 when i began recollecting comic books and non-sports cards.He was the most honest and interesting person with his vast knowledge.I would see him weekley at Antique world in Clarence and all the comic shows.The comic world has lost a great man.And i lost a friend.
william herzog
January 20, 2015
To the Puff family.
Your father was a great person, he mentored me in high school after loosing my own father. taught all that knew him life is important and was generally loved by all, I will miss him dearly. God Bless
Bill Herzog
Gary Haley
January 20, 2015
one of the many excellent teachers at Cleve-Hill. Don Puff, swimming coach, football coach, military hero...you will be missed by the many you have taught. RIP coach, you did good..
January 20, 2015
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, courage to change the thing I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.
Allen Duzak
January 20, 2015
To the entire Puff family - May the warm and loving memories of Don bring you peace and comfort; now, and well into the future. This was the man who not only taught me how to swim and dive at a very young age but had an impact on my life during my years at CHHS. Thanks, Mr. Puff. You will be missed by many.
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