Joseph Michael Puleo “Joe” passed away March 29, 2024, in Lutz, FL. Joe was born March 18, 1931, in Tampa Florida. He was predeceased by his parents Salvatore Puleo and Carmelina Montalbano Mendez, his wife Marianna Savarino Puleo, and sister Lillian Arcuri.
Joe grew up in Ybor City and graduated from Hillsborough High School. He attended the University of Florida before enlisting in the US Army where he held the rank of Sergeant during the Korean Conflict. He was a black belt in Judo and taught Judo to his fellow soldiers. During his service, he married Marianna Savarino (his high school sweetheart) and they were married for 31 years until her passing. Joe graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry. Joe and Marianna worked together and owned several businesses. They had four children, Mary Jo, Steven, Carol and Michael. The family were active members of St. Lawrence Catholic Church where he served as Lector. Joe had fond memories of serving as President of the Riverside Little League enjoying time spent with family and friends.
Joe met Imagean Busch December 14,1985, at a Parents Without Partners Christmas Dance. They were married in 1987. Joe and Gean were married for 36 years. Joe was stepfather to Norman, Julie and Jill Harris.
Joe was an entrepreneur and worked as an Insurance Broker, Real Estate Broker and Tax Advisor. He was a former member of the Greater Tampa Board of Realtors, the American Legion and the VFW. He was an avid University of Florida Gator Fan and was an expert at solving Crossword Puzzles, finishing in record time and in ink.
He is survived by his wife Imagean “Gean” Busch Puleo, children Mary Jo Scanio (Mike), Steven Puleo (Lisa), Carol Haskins (Paul) and Michael Puleo (Jennifer). Stepchildren Norman Harris (Sonya), Julie Harris Herndon and Jill Salvi (David). Grandchildren, Kayleigh, Michael, Stevi, Kristin, Marianna, Andrew, Sophia, Cory, Alex, William and Harrison and 7 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. We have lost a faithful husband, loving Father, Granddaddy, Papi Joe, Great-Grandfather and American Patriot.
Visitation will be Monday, April 8th 4-7pm at Veteran’s Funeral Care, 830 Belcher Rd, Clearwater, FL. Funeral Service Tuesday, April 9th, 11am, Garden of Memories Chapel of Lights Mausoleum, Tampa, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre 501(c)3 Marianna S Puleo Scholarship Fund, 15906 Mapledale Blvd, Tampa, FL 33624 or the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation in memory of Joseph M Puleo.
