Philip A Puleo

Born June 1, 1941, he lived a life marked by steadfast devotion, faithful service, compassion for others, hard work, and a quiet honesty that earned enduring respect.

Philip was preceded by parents Margaret Lepree and Philip Anthony Puleo and brothers Jack and Rodney Puleo and sister, Kathleen Sanzone. He graduated from Nutley High School in 1960, attended Trenton State College, and pursued his calling in education with dedication—earning a BS Degree in Education in 1970, a Master of Arts in 1974, and an Educational Specialist Degree in 1980.

In his younger years, Philip played fullback on his HS football team. He also enjoyed playing golf with his Pastor, and he gave his time to support others—helping his longtime friend Jo Ann, his future wife, with the church youth group she was working with at the time.

As time went on, his friendship with Jo Ann became romantic, and they married on July 13, 1968. They were married at the Freehold Assembly of God Church—the first wedding in the little white church, which, at the time, was the new church —and the ceremony was performed by Jo Ann's father, Rev. George Ceravolo.

Philip is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Jo Ann, and his loving children: son Philip and his wife Cristen, and 2 daughters, Joelle Schrag and husband DJ, and Jaime LaBarca and husband Joseph. Philip was a proud grandfather to Caleb (wife Rebecca), Andrew (wife Sadie), Matthew (wife Julia), Abby (fiancé Elvis), Quinn (wife Aviana), Joseph(wife Melissa), and Cole (wife Isabelle), and a great-grandfather to Barrett. He is also survived by sister-in-law Linda Gammon and many nieces and nephews

Philip joined the Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1967 as an Airman 1st class with the 170 Support Squadron of NJ. He helped to support his family in the restaurant business during his early work career. Philip would make a lasting impact through a meaningful career in Special Education, working directly with students who had learning, social, and emotional issues. He first served in the Trenton school district and then devoted 32 years to the Jackson School district.

Philip’s faith in Jesus shaped both his priorities and his daily life. Seeing the need for his 6-year-old son, Philip, to attend Royal Rangers, he drove his son and his friends Jimmy and Danny VanBrummelen, to a church 25 miles away. Philip would soon speak to his Pastor about starting a Royal Rangers program at Toms River Assembly of God. With the help of friends and the Christian Education Pastor, Buddy Smith, the Royal Rangers program was launched and began to flourish. He also served as a Christian School Board Member at Calvary Academy, Lakewood NJ, and coordinated the “Kitchen & Coffee Ministry” at Toms River Assembly of God. He could be regularly found in the church kitchen cooking to support many events—never seeking recognition, simply answering needs with steady hands and a willing heart.

Phil would be the first to say he wasn’t a perfect man. However, he was a man with a heart to serve others. It didn't matter if he was at work, at church, or at home—he was the first to step up to serve others. He was a quiet man, but his actions spoke loudly.

Even in his final years when he couldn’t do as much, he lived out his faith with a quiet strength, remaining devoted and faithful in the ways that mattered most.

He lived by Biblical principles found in: Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit; but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Phil will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

To leave online condolences and fond memories of Phil for the family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com

A memorial service will be held on August 29th at the New Life Community Church, 595 Parkertown Rd., Little Egg Harbor, NJ. Visitation is a 10 AM, followed by the Celebration of Life service at 11:00AM.