Anthony S. Puleo Jr.

Anthony S. Puleo Jr., 77, of Punta Gorda, Florida, formerly of Roslindale, Massachusetts, passed away in October 2026.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 29, 1949, to the late Anthony Puleo Sr. and Mary Puleo, Anthony grew up in Roslindale, where he formed lifelong friendships and countless memories. He proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard before spending many years working as a truck driver. Throughout his life, he was involved in various other ventures and what he liked to call his “projects.” Anthony was a hardworking man who believed in earning what you had and instilled that same strong work ethic in his children, teaching them the importance of hard work, kindness, and being good people.

Anyone who knew Anthony knew he was truly one of a kind. He had an unforgettable sense of humor and an undeniable talent for aggravating just about anyone with his jokes. He loved getting a reaction out of people, and the more he could get under your skin, the more he enjoyed himself. Beneath that mischievous personality was an incredibly kind and generous man who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. Of course, if you ever got on his bad side, he had an equally impressive talent for making sure you knew it. That was Anthony—funny, stubborn, generous, fiercely loyal, and unapologetically himself.

Some of Anthony’s happiest memories were made on the water. An avid boater, he was especially proud of his beloved boats, Saddle Up and, later in life, Adults Only. He spent countless summer days at Mashpee-Wakeby Pond, where family and friends gathered to water ski, grill, laugh, and simply enjoy life together. Those summers became cherished memories for his children and everyone fortunate enough to have been part of them. Anthony was also a longtime member of the South Boston Yacht Club, where his love of boating and friendship came together.

Family and friendship meant everything to Anthony. He shared a special lifelong bond with the extended Pascarelli family, with whom he grew up and whom he loved dearly. He also cherished his friendships with Ralph Pascarelli of South Boston and Johnny Kelley of Raynham, Massachusetts, both of whom passed away in recent years. Their losses were deeply felt, and the memories and laughter they shared remained close to his heart. He also treasured his friendship with Joe Brooks, who remains a dear friend.

Above all, Anthony was a devoted father and grandfather. He took pride in raising his children to be hardworking, compassionate, and independent people. The values he instilled in them continue to be reflected in the lives they lead and the families they have built.

Anthony was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothea Greco-Puleo; his parents, Anthony Puleo Sr. and Mary Puleo; and his sister, Rose Olivadesa.

He is survived by his sister, Debra Puleo; his son, Anthony Puleo III, a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy currently serving aboard USS San Antonio (LPD 17), and daughter-in-law, Lindsay Puleo, of Chesapeake, Virginia; and his daughter, Annmarie Puleo, a registered nurse, and her partner, Ricardo Douse, of Port Charlotte, Florida.

And, as anyone in the family could tell you, his daughter-in-law Lindsay held the coveted title of his favorite—a distinction Anthony was never shy about making known.

One of Anthony’s most treasured roles was being “Papa” to his five grandchildren: Anthony Pasquale Puleo, 14; Angelo Thomas Puleo, 13; and Annette Shea Dorothea Puleo, 11, of Chesapeake, Virginia; and Armando Fitzgerald Douse, 3, and Leonidas Ricardo Douse, 2, of Port Charlotte, Florida.

Anthony lived life on his own terms. He worked hard, loved deeply, laughed often, and never missed an opportunity to give someone a hard time. He was the kind of man who left an impression wherever he went, and those fortunate enough to have known him will undoubtedly have a story—or two—about something he said or did.

Although he may no longer be here to crack another joke, stir up a little trouble, or enjoy another summer day on the water, the laughter, love, and memories he leaves behind will live on through his family and friends.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and certainly never forgotten.

A celebration of Anthony’s life will be held in Massachusetts, with details to be announced.