Gerald O. Puffer, 87 of Conneaut, died Saturday morning, October 8, 2016, at his residence.

Jerry was born on November 28, 1928 in Conneaut, the son of Harold and Mary Montgomery Puffer. He was a 1946 graduate of Rowe High School and afterwards enlisted in the United States Army. While stationed in Japan, he played baseball and served as a Military Policeman until he was honorably discharged in 1950. He held several jobs throughout his working career including the Sealtest milkman for the Conneaut area, insurance sales, Cutco Cutlery sales and was enrolled in the Ohio State Troopers Academy.  Jerry retired from the Bessemer railroad in 1992 after 25 years of service as a brakeman.

Jerry was an avid baseball player. After the service, he played minor league ball in Texas, Georgia and Alabama following his baseball dreams. He once pitched a complete double header game himself in one day for a total of 18 innings pitched, which is unheard of in today's time.

Jerry played for 20 years in the Glenwood League which is still the longest running minor league program in the US today. He was inducted into the Conneaut High School Hall of Fame and also the Ashtabula County Basketball Hall of Fame.  Jerry and his son, Jeffrey Puffer, were the first father/son to be inducted to the Ashtabula County Basketball Hall of Fame at the same time in 2012. A great athlete, Jerry shot his age, 84, at the golf course and he also loved to play the horses at the track with his friends. He enjoyed going to McDonald’s to enjoy a coffee with his friends and would eat breakfast at the “All Aboard Diner” in Lake City. His friends would call him “Puff “or the “The Puff Man”.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Kathryn “Katy” L. (Bosick) Puffer, whom he married January 27, 1951, and two brothers Robert Puffer and Willard Puffer.

Jerry is survived by three sons, Jeffrey and Gretchen Puffer of Conneaut Lake, PA., Thomas (T.R.) and Robin Puffer of Conneaut, James Joseph (Jimmy Joe) and Shelly Puffer of Mentor, a daughter Rebecca (Becky) and Richard Perez of Atlanta, four grandchildren, Jeffrey and Rachel Puffer, Carrie Puffer, Michael and Lisa Puffer and Nick Puffer, and great grandchildren Audrey and Sydney.

A memorial gathering will be held, Friday, October 14, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut to honor both Jerry and Katy Puffer.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in "Puff's" name to the Community Living Center, Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center 135 East 38^th Street, Erie, PA  16504. 

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