Obituary for Thomas Michael "Tom" Putera
Tom Putera, age 55, died at the University of Pennsylvania hospital from complications of a heart infection with his wife, Becky, and daughters, Halle, and Sydney, by his side on Sunday morning October 9, 2022.
Born in Lansdale, he was the son of Thomas J. and Irene (Jilla) Putera of Green Lane. He graduated in the top of his class from Upper Perkiomen High School in 1985 and received a track scholarship to the University of South Alabama. He still holds the high jump record at Upper Perk and was just recently moved to second all-time high jumper at the University of South Alabama.
After graduating from the U.S.A. in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry & Math, he completed one year of graduate School at the University of South Carolina and went on to work at Merck as a Senior Analytical Chemist until 2003 when he retired after heart surgery to be a stay-at-home dad.
Tom’s charitable services were many. Over the years he was active with several local organizations including Upper Hanover Township Industrial Development Authority, currently as its Treasurer, Upper Perkiomen Manor currently as it’s Treasurer, Living Hope Farm (Community Supported Agriculture) in Harleysville, the Macoby Run 5K committee (now Project Live Citizens Assist 5K/5M), the Dock Golf committee (formally known as Penn View) which helped to raise money for the school. He served as the UP-Youth baseball assistant coach in the early 1990’s. Tom belonged to St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pennsburg where he was very active. He was currently serving as a Church Council member and has been the church treasurer there for the past 10 years. Track and field events were always close to his heart. He was a volunteer coach at Dock Mennonite Academy in Lansdale for the past 5 years.
Tom and his wife, Becky Stauffer Putera celebrated 30 years of marriage in March. They enjoyed many pastimes together including traveling, skiing, golf, snorkeling in the Caribbean, and could often be found working together at numerous local fund-raising events. His greatest pride and joy were his daughters Halle & Sydney. He was a loving and supportive father and could often be found sharing their most recent accomplishments with friends and colleagues.
Tom was known for his quick wit and humorous comments. He was always making people laugh. His smile and lightheartedness were infectious.
In addition to his wife, daughters, and parents, he leaves behind his parents-in-law, Ed and Blake Stauffer, his sister-in-law, Tori (Stauffer) Marshall and her husband Rob, his nephews: Peyton and Preston Marshall, and his niece, Porter Marshall, in addition to numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear and cherished friends. He was predeceased by his sister, JoAnn (Putera) Dymek, in 2005.
All are invited to a visitation at Falk Funeral Home, 163 Main St., Pennsburg, on Friday, October 14, from 5 – 7 pm and Saturday from 10 – 11 am in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 81 N. Main St., Pennsburg with a Celebration of Tom’s Life at 11am in the church Sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested in his memory to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 81 North Main St., Pennsburg PA 18073. Visit his “Book of Memories” at falkfuneralhomes.com.
Born in Lansdale, he was the son of Thomas J. and Irene (Jilla) Putera of Green Lane. He graduated in the top of his class from Upper Perkiomen High School in 1985 and received a track scholarship to the University of South Alabama. He still holds the high jump record at Upper Perk and was just recently moved to second all-time high jumper at the University of South Alabama.
After graduating from the U.S.A. in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry & Math, he completed one year of graduate School at the University of South Carolina and went on to work at Merck as a Senior Analytical Chemist until 2003 when he retired after heart surgery to be a stay-at-home dad.
Tom’s charitable services were many. Over the years he was active with several local organizations including Upper Hanover Township Industrial Development Authority, currently as its Treasurer, Upper Perkiomen Manor currently as it’s Treasurer, Living Hope Farm (Community Supported Agriculture) in Harleysville, the Macoby Run 5K committee (now Project Live Citizens Assist 5K/5M), the Dock Golf committee (formally known as Penn View) which helped to raise money for the school. He served as the UP-Youth baseball assistant coach in the early 1990’s. Tom belonged to St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pennsburg where he was very active. He was currently serving as a Church Council member and has been the church treasurer there for the past 10 years. Track and field events were always close to his heart. He was a volunteer coach at Dock Mennonite Academy in Lansdale for the past 5 years.
Tom and his wife, Becky Stauffer Putera celebrated 30 years of marriage in March. They enjoyed many pastimes together including traveling, skiing, golf, snorkeling in the Caribbean, and could often be found working together at numerous local fund-raising events. His greatest pride and joy were his daughters Halle & Sydney. He was a loving and supportive father and could often be found sharing their most recent accomplishments with friends and colleagues.
Tom was known for his quick wit and humorous comments. He was always making people laugh. His smile and lightheartedness were infectious.
In addition to his wife, daughters, and parents, he leaves behind his parents-in-law, Ed and Blake Stauffer, his sister-in-law, Tori (Stauffer) Marshall and her husband Rob, his nephews: Peyton and Preston Marshall, and his niece, Porter Marshall, in addition to numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear and cherished friends. He was predeceased by his sister, JoAnn (Putera) Dymek, in 2005.
All are invited to a visitation at Falk Funeral Home, 163 Main St., Pennsburg, on Friday, October 14, from 5 – 7 pm and Saturday from 10 – 11 am in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 81 N. Main St., Pennsburg with a Celebration of Tom’s Life at 11am in the church Sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested in his memory to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 81 North Main St., Pennsburg PA 18073. Visit his “Book of Memories” at falkfuneralhomes.com.