Rudy Puggini

Puggini, Rudy
Detroit in the Sixties was a combustible mix of muscle cars, civic unrest, and a shifting industrial landscape. For a teenage former altar boy who had recently lost his father to cancer, growing up in Detroit involved some drag races, an occasional Stroh's beer, and cheering for the Tigers, including the icons from the '68 World Series team. Rudy Puggini was a Detroit native who at different times owned an Olds 442 and a deep maroon GTX, and reveled in the car culture that permeated the city. But he never quite got used to the biting cold Michigan winters. By the mid 70's, he and some fellow sun seekers emigrated south to Phoenix. At home in the dry heat of the scorching Phoenix sun, Rudy began fashioning his new life. He met Diane Gillis, also a Detroit native, and they soon married. Before long, sons Mike and Bill were constant companions. In 1982, Rudy joined Hensley & Company, a distributor for Anheuser-Busch. Starting in a training program as a merchandiser, he gradually worked his way into a Manager position. Hensley was a great fit for Rudy. With its family culture focused on teamwork, Rudy found a home and a group of colleagues that appreciated his wit and humor. Never one to shy away from a microphone, Rudy was an accomplished speaker who enjoyed some friendly roasting at company events. After Rudy learned of his diagnosis with terminal cancer, his colleagues at Hensley remained steadfastly loyal. They continued his access to his phone and computer system, and when he lost the use of his left arm, they sent him a Blackberry so he could remain in contact with his friends, family, and colleagues. In the gathering gloom of the current recession, it is the example of companies like Hensley that remind us all again of how small businesses helped to make America great and will keep it great in the future. In another act of extreme kindness, Hensley's Chairwoman, Cindy Hensley McCain, arranged for her husband Senator John McCain, to call Rudy from the campaign trail of the Presidential election and wish him well. Rudy swelled with pride to tell of the story. He had a tremendous passion for politics and was one of Senator McCain's earliest supporters. Rudy loved golf. He loved football, especially watching his son Bill star on the Corona Del Sol High School team. He loved his wife Diane, who is a prolific picture taker, and his son Mike, whom he will meet at the campfire. He loved his sister Sandra Gentile and brother Daniel Puggini and brother-in-law Thomas Gentile who survive him, and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. And he also loved his annual summer trips back to Michigan to reunite with family. Somewhere Up North, a pontoon boat slips free from its moorings. A warm breeze nudges it softly toward the sunset, ruby red against the hills in the distance. Clear blue waves gently lap against the side. As night descends, a million sparkling stars come ever closer, lighting the way ahead. Everything is quiet now in the middle of the lake. And still. And peaceful at last A Celebration of Rudy's Life will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 1:00PM at Hensley & Company Chandler Office 2525 Nevada Street Chandler, AZ 85225. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rudy's name to Hospice of the Valley 1510 East Flower Street Phoenix, AZ 85014.