Robert John Puga

Robert was born and spent most of his life in Fresno California. He was a quiet, strong and intelligent man with a quick wit. He also had a great sense of humor with an overall humble character.

He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1958 where he competed successfully in track and field. In his early twenties he landed his long-term job as a skilled machinist at Vendo Company in Pinedale California.

Robert was a very hard worker and was determined to provide a good living environment for his family in a reliable way as this was very important to him. He was a valued and highly regarded employee, rarely missed work and was very skilled and dependable. He retired after 40+ dedicated years working at Vendo.

He was also a great cook, two of his specialties he made for his family were tasty beef stew and chili beans con carne.

Robert enjoyed using his carpentry skills to construct creative and useful objects out of wood.

He took pride in doing repairs and maintenance on all the family cars himself. He washed all the family cars very often, believe he found this relaxing and was always cleaning something or doing yard work.

One of Robert’s favorite shows was MASH, which always made him laugh and his other favorite shows were old western John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies, he never tired of them.

He loved all sports, he could watch football games one after another, he was a huge 49ers fan. He also enjoyed watching basketball, golf, and NASCAR.

Robert was also gifted with musical talent; he played the trumpet in the high school band and during parades. His desire to play the trumpet continued at home just for fun.

One of his favorite things was taking his family on many adventures to explore the beautiful mountains and beaches in California. Some of the family favorite vacations were annual camping or day trips to Yosemite National Park in both the summer and winter. He would pack up and take his family to San Francisco every summer school break and stay with his parents for several weeks, or to Disneyland and other amusement parks, and the many beaches across the coastline he loved dearly such as Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Pismo.

Robert was always passionate about fitness, he exercised regularly and was very fit and strong even into his later years of life.

He is survived by former wife, Mary Puga of 43 years of marriage and their three children: son Robert C. Puga, wife Melinda of Clovis, California, son Chris J. Puga of Clovis, California, daughter Cindy Gentry of Clovis California, her husband Todd of Kankakee, IL, his four grandchildren: Cassandra Puga-Abeldano, husband Adrian, Gilbert Puga, Seth Gentry and Caleb Gentry, his one great grandchild: one year old Austin Abeldano.

Robert was preceded in death by his two sisters, Lupe Mejia and Rita Puga and parents Seferino and Lorraine Puga.

Robert will be greatly missed by his family. The memories of him will be cherished forever. He did his best to provide, guide, and advise where he could. He was very proud of all his children as they carry forth his values and wisdom. His children will always love their dad and be thankful for all his efforts to give them the best start in life he could provide.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Puga family.