Joseph Puppin

Joseph ('Bepi', Joe) Puppin died peacefully at home on October 26, 2018, with family at his side. He was born on December 1, 1921, in the Friuli region of Italy. He emigrated to Indianapolis in 1946 and went to work for the Santarossa Mosaic and Tile Company as a terrazzo craftsman. His terrazzo floor designs are visible in the Butler Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium and in several high school entrances (among them Brebeuf Jesuit Prep). An avid gardener, Bepi had fruit trees and grape vines, from which he made his own wine and his legendary grappa. In retirement, his creativity and craftsmanship went into metalwork projects and intricately detailed birdhouses that were coveted gifts to relatives and friends.He always relished a good game of chess or bridge. Bepi loved singing and music making. He played the mandolin and trumpet and sang second tenor for 50 years in both the Indianapolis Maennerchor and the Holy Spirit Catholic Church choir. He will be dearly missed by Alvina, his wife of 70 years, his daughters Sylvia(Mike Brunette), Carla (Larry Lindsay), Diana (Drew Cover), and his grandchildren, Joseph, Lucas, Jeffrey, Gabriella, and Philip. The family thanks staff and caregivers at Community Hospital East, Rosewalk Rehab Center, and Community Home Health Hospice for their excellent care and compassion. Visitation will be from 9:30-11am, Friday, Nov 2, 2018, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 7243 E. 10th St, followed by a Mass of Christian burial. Burial follows at Oaklawn Memorial Garden. Contributions in his memory may be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church.