James Harry AFSC Puleo M.D.

Puleo, James Harry M.D. AFSC ALBANY James Harry Puleo, M.D. AFSC, 81, was born into eternal life on Sunday, December 4, 2016, at Memorial Hospital with his family at his bedside. Born in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late Mr. James V. and Grace Floyd Puleo. He is the former husband of the late Evelyn J. Paliotta, AFSC for 44 years of marriage. He is currently married to Lucille Salamida. Dr. Puleo practiced internal medicine and gastroenterology in the Albany area for 46 years, barring two years when he served as a captain in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. He attended and graduated from Our Lady of Angels, Christian Brothers Academy, Manhattan College, and the Albany Medical College. He received academic honors of Cum Laude, Epsilon Sigma Pi Honor Society, and Alpha Omega Alpha from his respective academic institutions. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine, as well as his fellowship in gastroenterology all at the Albany Medical Center. Dr. Puleo was most proud to be recognized by the American College of Physicians in 2006 as a Laureate Awardee. He also received the following prestigious awards including the Physician of the Year for the Capital District Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, the Meritorious Service Award for the Albany Medical College Alumni Association, Physician of the Year for Albany Visiting Nurses Association, Senior Services Award of Albany, Man of the Year for the Center of Disability, Founders Award Capital District Physicians Health Plan, Northeast Health Founders Award, Distinguished Alumnus Award of the Christian Brothers Academy. He was graciously bestowed the Affiliation of the Christian Brothers (A.F.S.C.), and vested into the Knights of Malta. Dr. Puleo was honored through the years to serve on the following committies, the Albany Medical Alumni Association for which he served two terms as president, president of the Albany County Medical Society, a founding member of the Original Board of the Capital District Physicians Health Plan, Upstate Medical Director for I.P.R.O., Upstate New York governor in the American College of Gastroenterologists. He served on the board of the Albany Medical Center, St. Peter's Health Care Partners, and Northeast Health Foundation Board, chief of medicine and gastroenterology at both Memorial and St. Peter's Hospitals, Board of Trustees of the Fort Orange Club, Member of Wolfert's Roost Country Club, and Christian Brothers Academy Board of Trustees (chairman for 10 years). Dr. Puleo was truly a patient advocate. This was evident by his commitment to quality of care. Throughout his career, and even following retirement, he remained involved and provided guidance to the Quality of Care Boards to ensure patient care at any expense. Dr. Puleo's widely respected and long medical career is only surpassed by the love and esteem in which he was held by his family and innumerable friends. He had a great love for playing bridge, D'Raymond's on Monday nights, and most of all, summers at his home on Cape Cod. Dr. Puleo is survived by his five children and ten grandchildren, Michele O'Hare (Charles), Alicia Smith (David), Stephanie Mastrianni (Michael), Jennifer Gibson, and James V. Puleo II, M.D. (Erin); and his grandchildren, Kayla and Morgan O'Hare, Lauren and Madison Smith, Luke and James Mastrianni, Abigail Gibson, Brigid, Jay, and Sean Puleo. He is also survived by his three stepchildren, Raymond, Maria, and Gregory, and their children. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Regina (Joseph) Moller; cousin, Marilyn (Kurt) Wallach, and many nieces and nephews. A special thanks to Father Michael Farano, Father Edward Michelini Brother Gregory Myles F.S.C. for their spiritual guidance, as well as the staff at Albany Memorial Hospital and Our Lady Of Mercy Life Center. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Dr. Puleo's family on Friday, December 9, 4 to 7 p.m. in St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, please enter from the Chapel entrance. Funeral services on Saturday, December 10, at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, where a funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Interment will immediately follow the Mass in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Those wishing to remember Dr. Puleo in a special way may send a contribution to either the Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208, or Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, 301 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12206. To leave a message for the family, light a candle, obtain directions or view other helpful services please visit McveighFuneralHome.com.