Richard Punko

September 6, 1930 - June 28, 2020

Richard Punko, age 89 of Monroe, passed away at home Sunday, June 28, 2020 at 10:51 a.m. with his loved ones at his side. He was born from the union of Wasso and Eva Punko on September 6, 1930 in Monroe. In 1961, Rich finally met the love of his life, his wife Jimmie (Allen) Punko. He spent most of his free time with his love traveling the backroads of Northern Michigan woods, finding the longest short-cuts known to man. Rich was a great outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, trapping and fishing. He served his country in the U. S. Army from January 12, 1948 until being honorably discharged on January 11, 1950. He attended Monroe Public Schools and retired from Ford Motor Company in Monroe after 41 years of employment. Rich leaves behind his children, Paula (Lee) Punko Eisenberg, Frieda (Joseph) Sauro, Sara Miller, James (Kathy) Miller, Jr. (Tonya) Miller, Marcella (Gary) Sharpe, Barbara Williams, and Una Serita (Michael) Agee; 32 grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren. Rich was preceded in death by his parents; wife Jimmie on August 15, 2013; son, William Joseph Dooley; sister, Wanda (Charles) Vadun; and brothers, Roman and Edward Blaida. Family and friends may visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 30th at Bacarella Funeral Home. From there a funeral procession will proceed to Woodland Cemetery for a 2 p.m. graveside service where military honors will be provided by VFW Post 1138 followed by committal prayers lead by Rev. Fr. Giancarlo Ghezzi of St. Mary Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests supporting St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.