Joseph L. Puddu

Joseph L. Puddu , 90, Pottsville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 3 ^rd at Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill East, Pottsville.

Born in Pottsville, he was a son of the late John and Elizabeth DiCandia Puddu. He was of the catholic faith.

Joe enlisted in the United States Army and served as a weapons man in the Heavy Mortar Company of the 1 ^st Infantry Division's 18 ^th Regiment. During his time in the service, he qualified for the 1956 Olympic Diving Team in Melbourne before getting injured during a platform dive. He won several championship titles during his diving tenure.

After the service, Joe owned and operated two separate hotel and golf resorts in California before traveling back to Pennsylvania after a devastating fire. After returning back to Pottsville, Joe operated Sharp Mountain Ski Area and helped open and start up the Lodge at Sharp Mountain. Joe also started Black Horse Stables where he bought, sold, trained and showed horses. After many years of running the business, he then opened up Black Horse Furniture Stripping and Repair followed by Puddu Wood Working on the Pottsville/Minersville highway for many years before becoming ill.

Joe was an entrepreneur who had a great passion for woodworking, hospitality, horses, diving and was an avid golfer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Joseph G. Puddu; a brother, John Puddu; a sister, Rita Giordano.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Tara Puddu Zendrosky, Ashland; his three sons: Rick Puddu and his wife Jody, Wisconsin; Frank Puddu and his wife Beth, Canada; David Puddu and his wife Deborah, Belen, New Mexico; 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Private graveside services will be held at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Pottsville.

Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.