Dennis J. Puleo

Dennis J. Puleo, age 80 of Talbott, TN, passed away peacefully surrounded in the loving arms of his family on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Dennis is now at peace with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, after a short courageous battle with cancer.

Born on December 19, 1945 in Batavia, New York, Dennis lived a life defined by faith, family, and his country.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine Shields Puleo and Salvatore Puleo; his son, Dennis Joseph Puleo II; and his sister, Karen Merriman. Dennis leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Florence Hensley Puleo; his daughters, Melissa (Rick) Havens, and Christina Puleo; his stepson, Bill (Christine) Hall; his grandchildren, Nichole (Chris) Blacken, Jessica (Chris Drew) Havens, Peter (Crystal) Havens, and Brayden Puleo; step grandchildren, Jesse Hall and Keri Mayns; his great-grandchildren, Olivia Havens, Vincent Dickinson, Gino Havens, Gracelyn Drew, Ella Havens, and Callie Havens; siblings, Rosie (late Richard) Eaton, Cathy (Arthur) English, Bob (Patty) Puleo, and Tom (Shirley) Puleo; and many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends that he loved and cherished.

After graduating from high school, Dennis answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force where he served proudly for 8 years. Dennis served from 1964 to 1968 at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois where he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. 1968-1972 he was stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base where he was deployed to Vietnam as a site development technician. Sergeant Puleo received the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal during the conflict.

After his military service, Dennis enlisted in the National Guard Reserves where he continued to serve his country until he began a distinguished career as a New York State Correctional Officer serving in several prisons before settling at Wyoming Correctional Facility where he served until his retirement.

Dennis was known for his complete devotion to his family, his kindness that knew no boundaries, his ability and skill to fix, make, and create anything your heart desired, his love for gardening, woodworking, and crossword puzzles.

Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will remain a source of strength and inspiration to his family and all who had the great pleasure of knowing him.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Farrar Funeral Home with a memorial service to follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Joe Eaton and Pastor Jeff Caudill officiating. Military graveside inurnment service will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens with military honors by VFW Post #5266 and the U.S. Air Force.

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN