Rev. Robert Welsh Puhlman

Rev. Robert Welsh Puhlman

July 18, 1949, to October 18, 2024

Rev. Robert W. Puhlman, 75, of Las Vegas, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 18, 1949, to Margaret and Albert Puhlman. He was one of four siblings: Peggy, Martha, and Albert Jr. At nine, his family moved to California, where he completed school and college. After graduating, he entered the Salesians of Don Bosco and became a religious brother. Fr. Bob eventually left the Salesians to study for the Diocese of Orange. He was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest on June 9, 1984, by Most Rev. William Johnson at Holy Family Cathedral in Orange, California.

Fr. Puhlman’s life was marked by his unwavering commitment to the Lord's work. His assignments took him to various communities, including St. Irenaeus, Cypress, CA; Our Lady of Fatima, San Clemente, CA; St. Kilian, Mission Viejo, CA; Holy Spirit, Fountain Valley, CA; St. Cecilia, Tustin, CA; Our Lady of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV; St. James the Apostle, Las Vegas, NV; La Virgen de Guadalupe, Mesquite, NV; and St. Anthony of Padua, Las Vegas, NV. His presence and dedication left a lasting impact on each of these parishes.

Fr. Bob's legacy is one of service and dedication. His efforts were instrumental in the successful capital campaigns that culminated in constructing two churches in the rapidly growing Archdiocese of Las Vegas. Fr. Bob constructed La Virgen de Guadalupe and St. Anthony of Padua. Fr. Bob earned the nickname “Bob the Builder” for his efforts when that children’s show was popular. His most recent appointment was as the Founding Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua in Centennial Hills on July 1, 2012. He held a deep love for God and His people. His magnetic personality and reputation as a practical joker led to deep belly laughs and filled many hearts.

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fr. Bob quickly assembled an online Catholic evangelization ministry at St. Anthony of Padua, culminating in many people returning to the Catholic faith and several men discerning the priestly vocation. This legacy continues today as the only live-streamed evening Mass, with music, on the West Coast. He retired from active ministry on January 31, 2023, leaving a legacy of faithful service that will inspire future generations.

 Father Bob is survived by sister-in-law, Carole, brother-in-law, Don, and his nieces and nephews, Ken, Merilee, Tina, Chip, and Scott.

 The Vigil for Father Bob will be held Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 6350 N. Fort Apache Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89149. The Rosary will be at 6:30 PM and Vigil at 7:00 PM, with a light reception to follow.

On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, a Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church with Most Rev. Gregory W. Gordon, STL, celebrating. The Rite of Committal (Burial) will be at 1:00 PM at Palm Mortuary Northwest. The Rosary, Vigil, and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed at www.SAPLV.com.

In place of flowers, donations in Memory of Fr. Bob Puhlman can be made to the Building Fund of St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church, Las Vegas, NV. Online donations can be made at www.SAPLV.com.