John E. Putalik

John E. Putalik 87, of Naples, FL died Wednesday, August 8, 2018, with his loving wife, Judy by his side. In his final two years, John continued to orient his family and others around him toward his signature values of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness simply with his gentle respect and acceptance of everyone around him. Born November 24, 1930 in Bronx New York to Irene and Coleman Putalik., John was the second of three boys: Ernest - deceased, and Thomas, currently of Armonk, New York. John attended Columbia University and graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry. After two years as a research chemist for the Army Chemical Corps, he went on-the-road visiting clients for Monsanto, Exxon, and finally Goodyear for 29 years as a chemical sales rep. An avid skier, tennis player, golfer, and hiker, John taught his whole family to enjoy these sports. He loved the mountains of Montana. Both he and his wife volunteered together in the First Tee golf program for 6 - 18 year olds in Charlottesville, VA. In each of the eight communities where he and Judy resided during their 60-year marriage, he was active in local organizations, including Kiwanis, Catholic Church charities, First Tee, and Habitat for Humanity. A life-long learner, John attended regular lectures at the Miller Center in Charlottesville and an avid reader of biographies and historical events. He was a morning guy! Cheerful and devoted to his routine of oatmeal, Tai Chi and the Financial Times. Years ago, to a surprised young nephew who caught him doing his early morning exercises he explained with artless candor: "If I take care of myself, I take care of my family." Judy and he kept track of many friends from the different Eastern and Midwest towns they lived and enjoyed social engagements regularly with their neighbors of all ages and backgrounds. Together they traveled extensively, nationally and abroad. John will be remembered by one of his favorite phrases: "You gotta laugh!" His life force remains with us in so many ways. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. He is survived by his loving wife, Judith A. Putalik of Naples, FL; two daughters, Elizabeth Suarez of Ave Maria, FL and Susan Dickerson and her husband, Randy of Charlottesville, VA; his brother, Tom Putalik and his wife, Ann of Armonk, NY and 4 grandchildren, Victoria and John Suarez and Reid and Coleman Dickerson. His son, Andrew, preceded him in death in 1973. A Memorial Mass to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 625 111th Ave. No, Naples, FL. Additional services will be held in Ohio. To sign his guestbook or to leave online condolences please go to www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

John E. Putalik

November 24, 1930 - August 8, 2018