Ernest Lawrence Puglise

Ernest “Ernie” Lawrence Puglise, 63, of Milford died suddenly, October 28. He was born in 1949, in Bridgeport to Lucille Verrilli Puglise and Thomas Puglise, the second of their three children.

Following high school, he graduated from Boston University with a degree in music education. After college, Mr Puglise poured his talent into teaching others. He directed the Middle School Choral Arts Program for the Newtown Public School system, gave private piano and guitar lessons, and directed all of the middle school’s musical productions.

He began serious study of the piano when he was just 5 years of age. At 7, he attended the American Shakespeare Festival Academy, studying acting and fencing. Throughout high school and college, he played the piano both as an accompanist to musical theater productions and as a solo performer, and performed with fellow music students in a rock band. For 17 years, he continued his connection to the American Shakespeare Festival Theatre.

Mr Puglise’s other great passion was his love of family. Having no children of his own, he developed a special bond with his youngest nieces. He was also an amazing chef. He was meticulous in caring for his home by the sea, and he was generous in hosting many good times there with his family and friends. It is with this place, surrounded by the music of the sea, that he will be remembered and loved.

His brother, Thomas Puglise of Spring Branch, Texas; his sister and brother-in-law, Kathi and Thomas Loughlin of Washington, DC; and five nieces and nephews survive Mr Puglise.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family, in mid-December.

To celebrate his life, visit www.galellofuneralhome.com.

The Newtown Bee        November 9, 2012