"A Tribute to Our Founder" 02/10/1919 to 03/28/2011
PULEO, ROSARIO, S. Class, R-8
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After graduating high school at the height of the depression in 1937, I held a job as an electrician in the Garment District of New York City. Later on I got interested in radio theory and amateur radio and enrolled in an evening course in radio theory at a Brooklyn high school; I taught myself Morse code by converting everything I read into ditz and dashes.
One day while buying radio parts at a radio store, as fate would have it, I missed the elevator going down. While waiting for the next elevator I wandered over to the book section of the store and spotted the June 1941 issue of QST magazine. I bought it because the cover indicated that it had articles about amateur radio. I had never heard of the magazine and would not have bought it had I not missed the elevator.
As all Gallups Islanders know, this particular issue of “QST” contained the article about Gallups that induced many of us to apply for admission to the school. I showed the article to my evening class instructor asking him if he thought I would be qualified. He wrote a glowing report about me to the United States Maritime Service and as a result I was accepted.
I was never away from home before. My first morning at Gallups, being awakened by the shrill bugle call, and surrounded by strangers, was a traumatic experience I will never forget. I was brought up in an Italian ethnic community, but now being thrown in with boys from all parts of the United States, who for the most part were better educated, was very intimidating.
Most of the students were radio amateurs with a good knowledge of radio theory and code, and some had electrical engineering college credits. It was July of 1941 and the United States had not entered the war yet, therefore there was no immediate need for Radio Officers. We were told that the course would run for a full year, with exams every Saturday morning. It was a competitive situation, and those not making the grade would flunk out. In the beginning I studied constantly, but after about four months I gained enough knowledge and confidence to compete comfortably with those of us who survived. Because of the training, the FCC exam was a snap; I even got the First Class Radiotelephone and a First Class Radio Telegraph license without even studying for it.
After graduating in July of 1942, my first assignment was to join a freighter in Philadelphia, the SS Pennsylvanian. When I came aboard, the Radio Officer was already packed; he shook my hand, wished me luck and left immediately. I had never been aboard such a large ship. Again, because of the intensive training at Gallups, I was able to figure out quickly how all the equipment worked. We set sail within a few hours after my arrival on the ship. I was fully aware of all the ships being sunk off the Atlantic coast, and I expected the worst. I immediately put on my life jacket, and prepared to send an SOS. Going to sleep that night was out of the question; I sat and waited for a torpedo to hit. After awhile I fell asleep in my chair. To my surprise I awoke the next morning to find we were still afloat. As I was never out of sight of land before, it was a strange feeling being out in the middle of the ocean.
The next day we entered New York Harbor where they made repairs and loaded cargo. A mate who was leaving the ship took me aside and advised me to try to be reassigned to another ship as my ship was loading cargo for the deadly Murmansk Run. But I decided to stay with the ship because no trip was safe. Again as fate would have it, the Navy stopped all shipping to Murmansk because of extremely heavy losses. Instead we were sent to the Persian Gulf via South Africa where we encountered submarine wolf packs operating out of Capetown. Our cargo was unloaded in Persia (now Iran) and transported overland to Russia.
Subsequent trips on Liberty Ships took me to many countries around the world in which we participated in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, France and the Pacific Islands. I also made the Russian Murmansk Run in which our small convoy was used to lure out the German battleship Scharnhorst which was sunk by the British Navy.
I had my fair share of submarine attacks and dive bombings but, as fate would have it, I survived the war.
After the war I married, had two children, and worked for Pan American Airlines, as a Radio Technician, then Instructor and later as head of the Radio Training School. I left after about 3 years for a higher paying job with ITT as a supervisor of their Point to Point radio transmitting facility on Long Island. I later left this job for a position with the U.S. Airforce as Electronic Specialist for the New York Air Procurement Region.
I attended Hofstra University evenings and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. I then founded Puleo Electronic manufacturing company. |
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Condolences
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Condolence From: Coleen Stewart
Condolence: I will always remember the kindness of Mr Puleo in offering to create an exchange between our families when I was turned down for a summer abroad with American Field Service. I was 16 and Jane was 15 and it was the start of a life long friendship. Little did he know the connections our families would have based on his friendship with my father in the Merchant Marines who had died when I was 6. I moved to San Francisco and lived with Jane in my early 20’s. Joseph went to school in Santa Barbara, as did David Rivera after him. Jane took care of my daughter, Cecily, when she moved to Marin to dance at age 16 as did Joseph when she moved to New York at age 20. Thank you, Sal, for your generosity, kindness and example. This legacy of friendship continues into future generations and we will always remember that it was you who began it.
With all our love,
The Stewart Family
Thursday April 21, 2011
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Condolence From: Core Assemblies, Inc. <kari@coreassemblies.com>
Condolence: Mr. Puleo was a very special customer to us. He used to take a drive up to central New Hampshire once a year to check on his 'extended family' and see how his jobs were progressing. Our deepest sympathy to your family, he will be missed very much.
Kari and Cory
Monday April 11, 2011
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Condolence From: Paul Ahrens <paulahrens7@gmail.com>
Condolence: Sorry to hear of Sal's passing.
Sal was always a pleasure to talk to and work with on various projects over the past 35 years.
Paul Ahrens
Monday April 11, 2011
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Condolence From: Tim McLeman <tim@themclemans.com>
Condolence: I am very sorry to hear the news that Rosario has passed away recently. Although I only knew Rosario over the last few years I have some great memories of our cross Atlantic encounters. We had plenty of dealing over the last few years including some fantastic lunches in New York! Rosario was always the model gentleman and totally honest and upfront in all our business dealings. Despite his advancing years Rosario was always amazingly enthusiastic about everything he spoke about, as if he was really 60 years younger. I can only hope we could all have his enthusiasm, drive and obvious love of life if we make it that far! He will be sadly missed.
Our thoughts will be with Jane, Joseph and the rest of the family over the coming days
All the best from Tim and Karen Mcleman, Harrogate England
Saturday April 09, 2011
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Condolence From: KAREN DICICCO, RN <Karenhrtrn@AOL.COM>
Condolence: Dear Jane, Joseph and Family, I think you know how special you Dad was to me. With many years of nursing he was a favorite and at the top of my list. Over the years I enjoyed the many hours of good conversation with Mom and Dad. I truly appreciated how he let me bring new nurses in training. And of course, he had to question them on their education and God forbid they had a minor in "psych".. that was a whole different conversation. I enjoyed the stories of how your parents grew up, met, married, started a business.. but most of all, they were very proud of all their grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Regards, Karen
Saturday April 09, 2011
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Condolence From: Gilbert Rivera <grivera@psomas.com>
Condolence: I only had the pleasure to meet Sal on two occasions but I always came away so impressed with how intelligent he was and how comfortable he made you feel. He was genuinely interested in you and what you had to say. He made you feel like you were the most important person in the room when you were talking to him. I know we all are going to miss him, but now he's reunited with his lovely wife Josephine in heaven, where they will be together forever.
Friday April 08, 2011
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Condolence From: Angelo and Sarah Rivera <smoscozo@yahoo.com>
Condolence: The world won’t be the same without you and
you will surely be missed!
I believe you are with your beloved Josephine --
You raised a beautiful, loving daughter in Jane
and our family has been blessed by her.
“Miss Me, But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me; I want no rites in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little but not too much, and not with your head bowed low; Remember the love that we once shared, miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone. It’s all part of the master’s plan, a step on the road to home. So when you are lonely and sick at heart, go the friend we know and bury your sorrow in doing good deeds, miss me, but let me go…”
Til we see each other again, love, Angelo and Sarah Rivera
Friday April 08, 2011
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Condolence From: Jerry Russoniello <jrussoniello@msn.com>
Condolence: As best friend to his son Joseph Puleo since 1975 I have grown to know and love all the Puleo's, both Mr. "P" and Mrs. "P" as I always called them.
A great guy and a great family. I spent many a night at the Puleo's home in Lynbrook when I was in town visiting Joe. Always a great stay. Always great Italian food at the Puleo's house!
Only the best memories of Mr. and Mrs "P"
Friday April 08, 2011
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Condolence From: Jim & Celeste Montesion <jimm@puleoinc.com>
Condolence: As soon as I began working at Puleo Electronics, I could tell there was something very special about Mr. Puleo. He was not your typical boss. He was more concerned that things were done right then profit.
In a very short time he made me feel like family instead of an employee. He made everybody at Puleo feel like family.
After my father passed away, Mr. Puleo really became like a father to me. He was always there for me, giving support and advice. He always told me how much he appreciated my work and I always wanted to make him proud.
Time passed by so fast because he made the work environment so enjoyable. It didn't feel like work. Before I knew it, years and years had passed but Mr. Puleo never seemed to age. He was always there, tirelessly guiding the company forward with his vision. His energy and vigor were amazing. He will be missed but I know his spirit and legacy lives on.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jane, Joe and their families.
Thursday April 07, 2011
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Condolence From: Fran Distefano <>
Condolence: This is Dan Distefano writing on behalf of my mother Fran.
Uncle Sal, Aunt Josephine and my parents, Fran & Sal Distefano, are all contemporaries and my mom's story dates back to the early nineteen fifties. Jane had been born and was scheduled to be baptized with all the usual pomp and ceremony that entailed. My dad, Sal D., was still single at the time and had just recently began dating my mom, Fran who did not expect to be invited to this family gathering but on the insistence of Uncle Sal, was.
My mom felt a bit like a fish out of water as one does when at a family function with someone else's family. Uncle Sal sensed this and made sure that Fran felt she was part of the family despite the short length of time she was dating my dad. It was a kindness she never forgot and something she never mentioned to me until now. I know she's happy to share this story which shows what excellent sense of people Uncle Sal had. He was always "a visionary ."
Thursday April 07, 2011
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Condolence From: Cousin Linda <>
Condolence: My earliest memory of Uncle Sal takes me back in time to when I lived next door to him, Aunt Jo, and Cousin Jane in Springfield Gardens. I spent a couple of nights each week at the Puleo’s house during Jane’s dinnertime, coaxing her to eat her baby lamb chops and veggies. I would stay with her until Uncle Sal came home from work. He was a very quiet, gentle, and shy man.
As I grew up, I came to realize what a special individual he truly was. Hard-working and determined, Uncle Sal was a successful academic achiever and an extraordinary self-employed business man overcoming all adversities along his career path.
What is most memorable, however, is the close and lasting friendship he and Aunt Jo shared with my mother and father. They loved each other and remained loyal friends to the very end. I know they are now together, enjoying their reunion.
Love to all,
Cousin Linda
Thursday April 07, 2011
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Condolence From: maria and angelo mourelatos
Condolence: We are deeply saddened of the passing of Mr Puleo.He was a kind and thoughtful man who always made you feel special when we would visit Mom at work. He always would make time to ask about our family and always asked about "The million dollar baby", which he nicknamed my daughter after waiting patiently for her birth. He watch my sisters and I grew up through the years and offered my Mom some Fatherly advise and support at times. We will miss him.
We will like to extend our condolences to all of you and hope during this time of grief you can look to the wonderful times to comfort you.I am sure he is in Heaven with his wife looking down on his most loving family with pride
Wednesday April 06, 2011
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Condolence From: Jane Dantona Grogan <hunso@aol.com>
Condolence: Dear Jane and Joseph,
I read the condolence that was written for your father from Ken Kelly. I was so touched by his beautiful words. I gather that at some point Ken Kelly worked for or with your father .Reading that reminded me of something I keep in my desk drawer at work. It is from one of those daily devotional books. It says :
" It is not our behavior on Sunday morning that demonstrates the depth of our Christian faith to the world. It's the way we behave at our work, on the job. You ask a person who works alongside you, or under you, or over you, or on the same team about your Christianity and that person will not talk about your life on Sunday. That person will talk about what you are like to work with or to work for, day after day, after day, all week long."
Your father is the perfect example of what they are talking about in the above quote. That is how he lived his life.I wanted to share that with you and Joseph.
Love,
Janie
Tuesday April 05, 2011
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Condolence From: Joseph Picone
Condolence: Dear Jane, Joseph, and Family: My heart is heavy knowing how you all must be mourning the loss of your father, grandfather, father-in-law. Uncle Sal held a special place in my heart because he was many things, but above all, he was sincere and loving. He was the most intellectually curious person I've ever known, and that lust for knowledge and eagerness to know what ever there is to know inspired me. I remember the tour of Puleo Electronics in NY. I was struck by the company motto: SEMPRE AVANTI. I hope that you will be as energized by that message as I was. EVER FORWARD! How often has that been a comfort for me since that visit!
Tuesday April 05, 2011
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Condolence From: Dan Distefano <drumrdan@aol.com>
Condolence: The things I remember about Uncle Sal are joyous and so very special. His warm smile and how his expression let you know that you were the most important person in the room. His intellectual curiosity and the way he marveled at the snapshots of humanity he encountered daily. Things that others never noticed were fascinating to him and he reveled in sharing his insights with others. These insights were a joy to hear as he was a great story teller and could hold an audience rapt for quite some time. I really looked forward to them.
He and Aunt Jo came to the Columbus Day Parade in NYC and saw the Fort Lee High School Band, which I taught, marching. It thrilled them to be a once-removed part of this spectacle and I was happy to provide that for them. It was also great to know that I had my own very special fans out there clapping just for me.
Summer days for the Distefanos at Jones Beach, capped off by nights with Uncle Sal, Aunt Jo (my Godparents), Janie and Joseph roller skating on the boardwalk while the old folk watched square dancing will always warm my heart. Experiences like this bound our families together for a lifetime. I can only hope that I've learned from my uncles attributes and will practice them and pass them along to those whose lives I touch. He will be deeply missed and the world is worse for his leaving it.
Monday April 04, 2011
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Condolence From: Nina and Joe Picone <distefano@aol.com>
Condolence: Jane and Joseph,
This is a poem that I find comfort in when I lose someone who was special to me...
Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Mary E. Frye
Sunday April 03, 2011
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Condolence From: Nina Picone <distefano@aol.com>
Condolence: Jane, David, Joseph and Juliet,
I cannot begin to express how saddened I am at the loss of your Dad. He was a truly remarkable man. Both Joe and I were so very fond of him and always looked forward to seeing him. He was a truly unique individual. A wonderful husband, father, and grandfather - he was so very proud of you all. An entrepreneur, he imagined and created a business which has stood the test of time. A lifelong learner - he was one of the most intellectually curious people I have ever met. He enjoyed life and all of its experiences.
So many of my childhood memories revolve around times that our families were together. The great thing about memories is that they live on. We will always have those times, even if many of the players are no longer with us.
Please know that we share in your sadness. If there is anything that we can do to help you at this time, please let us know.
Joe and I will, of course, be there with you on April 9. Cara and Kristin are trying to get time off from work to join us also. We will see you then. Please don't hesitate to ask if there is anything you need.
Nina Picone
Sunday April 03, 2011
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Condolence From: Jane Rivera <jpuleorivera@comcast.net>
Condolence:
A Prayer for Dad
Lord, Shepherd my dad today
In green pastures let him lay
To still waters guide his way
Restoreth his soul, I pray
Lead him in the paths of right
Through the valley give him light
When he's afraid ease his fright
With Thy rod and staff lend might
Prepare a table of spoil
Annointest his head with oil
Give to him a cup that's royal
Let goodness follow his toil
And Thy mercy cease never
May he dwell in Thy house forever
This I ask in Jesus' name,
Amen
(psalm 23)
Sunday April 03, 2011
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Condolence From: Ken Kelly <parsnogood>
Condolence: I loved him like a father.
I grieve him like a son.
My prayers are with the entire family legacy of Sal and Mrs. Puleo. I know you all will carry forth their greatness. I will always cherish his memory, and I'm forever grateful for all he did for me, and for the affection he had for me. I'm such a better person because of him. I will miss and long for his brilliant mind, whimsical wit, remarkable charismatic presence, super-human strength, unquenchable drive, noble spirit, exuberant love of life, and tireless optimism. He was an undeniably incredible force in human form, yet gregariously accessible... a veritable enigma to those fortunate enough to have known him. Working with him, his family and company was truly a high point of my life. Honest, passionate, sweet, and kind. He is a perfect example of what a human being should be. Death is not powerful enough to extinguish him. He lives in the hearts and minds of us who love him. He will live in my heart as a role model and mentor until I meet him again in the next glorious phase of our eternal existence.
Until then, our world is significantly darker, without his guiding light.
Farewell for now, and rest peacefully from your hard and fruitful labor, my special friend.
I miss you.
Ken Kelly
Sunday April 03, 2011
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