Ronald E. Puchalski

Born in Detroit, in 1933, Ronald E. Puchalski embraced music from an early age. His father taught him saxophone, he later formed a combo as a young man, played clarinet in the Army Reserve Band, graduated from Wayne State University with a Masters in Music Education, then moved on teaching music to hundreds of elementary, middle school and high school students in the Southgate and Wayne/Westland school systems during his long career as an educator. The tradition of music was passed to his sons and grandsons, teaching and practicing with them, equally adept at saxophone, clarinet, and flute, creating fond memories at family gatherings as he played polkas and holiday music with his sons. He was devoted to his craft, later traveling the world with the Grosse Ile Chorale, singing and playing flute at his cherished St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and finally regularly performing in The Downriver Community Band.

A devoted father to Gregory Puchalski, Richard Puchalski, and Kenneth Barzo, he is also survived by his sister Joan Wright, grandchildren Nina and Adam Puchalski, Preston and Spencer Barzo, great-granddaughter Hailey Puchalski and his former wife Joyce Richards. He tragically lost his beloved wife Diane in 2011, to brain cancer.

Affable. Kind. Patient. Generous. Talented. Loving. Always helping others - family, friends, and strangers alike. These fine qualities, and many more, can be attributed to Ronald Puchalski. He embodied true Christian spirit and the very best of what makes us human.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Downriver Community Band