John Pugliese

Mr. Jon,

I just returned to town after a year, hoping to take you to Black Bear for your favorite pastry, only walk into the assist living home to hear you have gone to be with your wife in heaven.

Thank you for being the best neighbor; it was a true blessing when God placed us next to you. My son cherished hearing your war stories, and you always had a special way of welcoming Teddy, letting him run over to your house while you relaxed on the patio and loving on the dog. You joined us for marshmallow roasting in the backyard every fall and even surprised my son by coming to his birthday party in a limo with all his friends, making it unforgettable.

We will always remember the joy of caring for you during the pandemic, bringing hope and laughter to you when social connections were so vital. Italian dinner nights, your favorite Grimaldi`s pizza days, and our light-hearted conversations kept our spirits high. I´ll never forget the times you came over with questions about the mail, and how I had to steer you away from the many scams out there, or when your tv wouldn´t work and you would think I was tech person lol and we would have my son fix it or even that moment when I ordered your new filter and we struggled together to install it. We always wanted you to know you were not alone and there are good people out there that God sent to you.

Thank you for trusting my son and me and sharing your wisdom with us. I will always remember asking you the secret to a long life, and you told me it was family and daily exercise.

We love you, Mr. Jon. You will be dearly missed.

John was a dear friend not only to me but everyone he met. A very special qualuty. I, along with his many friends, will miss him but will continue to learn from his memory. Thank you for sharing your zest for life, John. Mary Kjos

We met John at the Destin Athletic Club and knew immediately that he was someone very special , and as we all rode together in our 1938 Cord in the 2008 Christmas parade John waved to his many gathered fans who shouted out to him, "Hey Frenchie ! Hi Frenchie! , and "We love you Frenchie"! John was truly one of Destin's trophies! We shall miss the holiday celebrations, birthday dinners, tiki bar gatherings and a fabulous trip to France with John as the best tour guide ever! You are an inspiration to us all John and an it has been an honor as well as privilege to be counted among those you called friends. Gone from us but never ever forgotten. Susan Black and Terry Burns

Gathered at a table, remembering our deceased loved ones, John and I were with 13 other Hospice Grief Support Group people in Destin, 2005.

Rest in peace, Mr. P!