Richard Joseph Pulis

Born on Long Island, New York, on December 28, 1947, Rick graduated from Baldwin (New York) High School in 1966. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for more than 20 years, serving as a navigator and an electronic warfare officer on the B-52 Stratofortress, and he later enjoyed his Air Force experience in the intelligence career field. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, and National Defense Service Medal, among other awards and decorations. During his military career, Rick earned several degrees, including a master’s degree in systems management from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas; a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Roosevelt University; and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Christopher Newport College of the College of William and Mary. After his Air Force retirement, Rick worked for Science Applications International Corporation in San Antonio, Texas, as a software engineer.

Rick loved to read for education and entertainment and could almost always be found with a book in his hand. He loved to tell stories and share his dry sense of humor with family and friends. Rick was a Master Naturalist and had a passion for sharing his love of nature through his volunteer work with youth educational programs in the city parks. Within the last decade, Rick also volunteered at the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Center for Archaeological Research, cataloging items recovered at dig sites around Texas. He was a proud member of the Southern Texas Archaeological Association and the American Legion. Rick wed Jeanna Chin on July 14, 1986, and they were married for 31 years. Rick is survived by his wife, Jeanna Pulis; daughter Amy Shannon (Ed); son, Joseph Pulis (Zandra); brothers, Jeffrey Pulis and Matthew Pulis (Kris); sisters Andrea Schoemmell (Harold), Jill Woodward, and Lori Pulis; granddaughters Mikaylah Wilson and Eleanor Pulis; grandsons Samuel Shannon and Levi Pulis; and 12 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Walker Pulis and Muriel Jennette (Sundman) Pulis; and by his brother, Bruce Spencer Pulis. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 20, at 5 p.m. at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 21, at 9 a.m. at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home. Rev. Geunchun Lee of New World Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas, will officiate. Burial will follow the funeral at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:45 a.m.