Gregory Thomas Puskar

Gregory Thomas Puskar, 69, passed away unexpectedly on June 16, 2024, in Fleming Island, Florida.

Greg was born on January 22, 1955, in Poughkeepsie, New York. Following his graduation from high school, he entered the United States Army, and achieved the rank of Specialist. He was first stationed at Ft. Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, and was later stationed in Germany until his honorable discharge in 1978. 

After his return to the United States, Greg earned an associate degree, and he distinguished himself by becoming a master electrician, allowing him to work on projects ranging from electrical operations at large power plants to the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical materials on U.S. Navy facilities. The skills he learned as a tradesman translated over into his role as a dad, as he was often the first person his children would call should some new and unexpected problem arise with their home, an appliance, or, in some cases, a car.

Greg loved to share his knowledge of electrical work with others. Beyond diagnosing electrical problems for his children or providing a quick fix to a stubborn appliance, Greg worked as an instructor at a local community college, teaching future electricians the foundations of electronics, electrical repair, and more. Eventually, Greg’s passion for electrical work, teaching, and helping others translated into part-time work at his local ACE Hardware. Greg spoke fondly of his co-workers at ACE, and often told stories about how he was able to help customers who had found themselves in need of assistance to tackle the next repair or upgrade to their home. 

Greg loved being outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, and playing golf with his friends. He also enjoyed football and, as an avid New York Giants fan, was keen on reminding his son, Shane—a New England Patriots fan—of the Giants’ most recent Super Bowl wins over the Patriots in 2008 and 2012. 

Although he went by “Greg” to his friends and “Dad” to his children, in his later years, Greg adopted a new name: Bee-Pa. After the birth of his first grandchild, Olivia, Greg quickly and excitedly stepped into the shoes of a grandpa. Bee-Pa was a regular at Tonya’s home, always eager to spend time with his grandchildren—to play with them, to talk with them, and, when things were quiet (or perhaps when they weren’t), to steal a quick nap in their presence. He adored his grandchildren, frequently commenting to others how proud he was of them, how fun they were, and, above all, he loved to give them gifts because nothing brought him more joy than seeing their smiles.  

Greg is survived by family and friends who loved him dearly, including his two children, Tonya Phillips and Shane Puskar, as well as Greg’s five grandchildren: Tonya’s children, Olivia Phillips, Cade Phillips, Bella Phillips, and Konnor Phillips, and Shane’s son, Thomas Diaz Puskar. His surviving brothers are Kevin Puskar, Douglas Puskar, and Kenny Crispell. 

Greg was predeceased by his loving mother, Gloria Palmeri, his father, Joseph Puskar, and his brothers, Patrick McNamara and Dale Crispell. 

Greg’s/Bee-Pa’s/Dad’s service of remembrance will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024, at 9:00 AM at Crossroads Lutheran Church, located at 5101 Lakeshore Dr W, Fleming Island, FL 32003. Following his service of remembrance, Greg’s remains will be interred at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, in Jacksonville, Florida, located at 4083 Lannie Rd (Lane #3), Jacksonville, FL 32218, at 11:30 AM. All who wish to pay their respects and celebrate Greg’s life are invited to attend both services. 

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make donations in Greg’s name to Safe Animal Shelter (www.safeanimalshelter.com) located in Middleburg Florida. Although Greg cultivated a love for flowers and gardening in his youth while working on the grounds at President Roosevelt’s estate in Hyde Park, New York, Greg loved animals, especially dogs, even more.