Jack Joseph Puchalski

Jack Joseph Puchalski, 90, of Covina passed away on July 28, 2017.

Jack was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 25, 1927 to Rose and John Puchalski who immigrated to the United States from Bystra, Poland and Lemberg, Poland, respectively.  He had seven older siblings – Helen, Angeline, Sophie, Marie, Anne, Julia, and Frank – all of whom have preceded him in death.  

He and his family spent several years living on a farm in Campbellsport, Wisconsin in his early years.  Back in Chicago, Jack graduated early from Tilden Technical High School after which he joined the Army and proudly served his country for nearly 30 years including tours in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam before retiring.  While stationed in Yokohoma during the occupation of Japan, he met his beautiful wife of 67 years, Nobue.  They easily could have been married for 72 years if not for the Asian-exclusion laws in place in post WWII Japan.  Jack and Nobue traveled extensively while he was in the Army - from Fort Sill to Fort Bragg to Fort Leavenworth to Fort Ord to Camp Drake and often back again across old Route 66.  But through this time, they raised eight wonderful kids eventually settling in Covina.  

Jack loved telling stories, especially of walking through the fields to the one-room school house he shared with his sisters and brother, or of growing up and working odd-jobs in the Depression-era “back of the yards” in Chicago, as well as the many, many memories of his long military career.  He enjoyed fishing, swimming, and “repairing” things and was quick with the humor and telling of a good (or not so good) joke.  He learned and spoke multiple languages which he put to use when he and Nobue vacationed to various parts of the world.  In his later years, the time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson Jack would bring him much pride and joy. 

A devout Catholic, Jack steadfastly carried his faith with him throughout his long fulfilling life, and in which now he rests in everlasting peace.

Jack is survived by his wife, Nobue and their eight children, seventeen grandchildren and one great grandchild:

Joseph and Susanna Puchalski of Los Angeles, and daughter Danielle.

Mari and Thomas Aros of Chula Vista, and children Christine, Michelle and Paul.

John and Susan Puchalski of Laguna Hills, and sons Noah and Mark.

Jeffery and Carla Puchalski of Laguna Beach, and children Jennifer, Kevin, Nicole, and Nicolas.

Paul and Kim Puchalski of Chino, and daughters Lauri, Kristen, son-in-law Collin and grandson Jack.

Peter and Lisa Puchalski of Mission Viejo, and children Katlin, Jacob and Joshua.

Michael and Maria Puchalski of Mission Viejo, and children Blake and Amy.

Thomas and Mayra Puchalski of West Covina, and daughters Sophia and Isabel.

He is also survived by nephew Randy Puchalski of Tinley Park, IL and niece Sandra Kuca and husband Ray of Walnut Creek and daughters Jennifer and Amy.

A celebration of his life and memorial services will be held on Thursday, August 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Covina where he and Nobue have been long time parishioners, followed by a military funeral, honors and interment at Riverside National Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the medical staff and caregivers who provided loving and compassionate care during Dad’s last days.