Vincent James Puleo

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Eleanor (Valentino) Puleo of Madison, CT; his 4 daughters – Donna Puleo, Salem, MA; Deborah Puleo, Madison, CT; Theresa Smaistrla (Scott), Plano, TX;

Jean Puleo, Madison, CT; and his granddaughter, Samantha Ribas (Zach), Mattapoisett, MA. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and cousin; and leaves behind many relatives and friends – all of whom he loved immensely.

Vinnie was born on July 12, 1938 in Brooklyn, NY, to James and Helen (Ostrowski) Puleo of Queens, NY. He was predeceased by both parents and his brother, Peter Puleo.

He attended grades 1-4 at PS 86 School in the Ridgewood Queens section of Brooklyn, NY, and then St. Francis Preparatory School, Fresh Meadows, NY. Upon graduation from St. Francis Prep in 1956, he attended Bradley University in Peoria, IL for 1 year on a basketball scholarship. He then returned home to attend St. John’s University, Queens, NY and played basketball there as well. During his final year of college, he worked nights as an FBI clerk. It was there that he met the love of his life, Eleanor, delivering mail to the administrative staff on several floors, where their work shifts crossed. He enlisted in the U.S. Army / National Guard during his college years. After he graduated from St. John’s University with a B.A. degree in English, he was accepted into the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, to train as a Special Agent. He continued to serve in the local US Army / National Guard facility. One of his work experiences included working as a stock analyst at an investment company, where he gained knowledge of the stock market and developed a penchant for investing. However, it was his 29 years of experience with the FBI and the friendships he developed that he loved the most. Some of his work included Russian foreign intelligence, white-collar crimes, and working with the Naval Investigative Services. He was instrumental in assisting in the “Operation Lemonade” case that involved hostage negotiations. His experience included working with some of the most intelligent and innovative individuals, who eventually became very good friends.

His earlier FBI career was in the NY, NC, and FL offices. He was promoted to an FBI Supervisor at FBI Headquarters, Washington, DC, but made the decision to move his family from Long Island, NY to CT, and turned down that job. He always put his family first.

Vinnie was a faithful Catholic, and parishioner of St. Margaret’s Church, Madison, CT, who attended mass regularly and kept Christ central in his life. His rosary beads were held in his hands during the Mass. He was an avid sports enthusiast and athlete who played basketball, football, and baseball. Over the years in Long Island, NY, he took his daughters to several NY Islanders hockey games and NY Giants football games. As a football referee for years, both Jr Varsity and Varsity in Long Island, NY, and Madison, CT, his referee knowledge parlayed well into assessing the plays as they occurred at these games. In addition to his passion for faith, family, and sports, he loved to plant and tend to his tomato plants, was active in running and working out, and was a self-designated photographer at all family and friends' special events.

Vinnie’s sharp memory and quick wit kept everyone on their toes. His affinity for history, dates, and locations was phenomenal and was his way of connecting with those he encountered. He especially loved to reminisce about his times with his FBI “Bureau family” from the New York, and CT offices.

The Puleo family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and medical staff at Yale New Haven Hospital, Autumn Lake (Madison) House, and CT Hospice, Branford, and especially Dr. Akash Chakravartty, who helped the family understand and make decisions. The family is continually grateful over the years, to Dr. Anthony Mascia, Dr. Fred Berliner, Dr. Howard Distelman, and Dr. Jaime Gerber.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of his charities: Tunnels to Towers

Foundation, https://t2t.org/; or the American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/

Funeral Details:

• Visitation, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 4-7 pm at Swan Funeral Home,

825 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443

• Mass service, Thursday, April 9, 2026, 11 am at St. Margaret Church,

24 Academy St, Madison, CT 06443

• Burial, Friday, April 10, 2026, 1 pm at St. Charles Cemetery,

2015 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735