Frank R. Pugliese, 76, of Shrewsbury

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Frank R. PuglieseShrewsbury – Frank Robert Pugliese, 76, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully Dec. 29, 2020 with his wife, Judith, at his side.

Frank was the eldest child of Salvatore and Rose (Bellizzi) Pugliese of Bronx, N.Y. He was a talented student and an accomplished track athlete at Mount Saint Michael Academy, Bronx, N.Y. and later graduated from Pace University, New York City.

With his work, Frank contributed his talents across a variety of fields including working as a Senior Product Manager at Digital Corporation for over 15 years. His career enabled him the opportunity to travel and work with people around the world. Later in life, Frank created a business of his own with the goal of helping other businesses grow.

In 1975, Frank married Judith L. Stevens, “Jude,” as he affectionately called her, and shortly thereafter they made Shrewsbury their home. Frank was the proud father of two daughters whom he genuinely believed could do anything, a sentiment he made sure they never forgot. He coached sports teams, judged competitions and was there for his girls’ countless activities through the years (albeit maybe a few minutes late). Later in his life, Frank gained the moniker of “Gramps” to his two beloved grandchildren whom he happily introduced to anything and everything during their times together. Frank’s family also encompassed a variety of pets over the years. Although initially reluctant to add a dog to the family, his adoration of cocker spaniels Minnie, and later Max, was mutual.

Frank loved working with his hands from his woodworking projects to the ever-changing colorful gardens he cultivated at home to the extensive rock walls he built to surround them. He loved annual trips to Arthur Avenue, the “Little Italy of the Bronx,” and was most relaxed on the porch of the family cabin on Sebec Lake, Maine. He was a voracious reader and collector of books, loved watching movies and sports (always rooting for his New York teams), and he never met a crossword puzzle he could not finish.

In addition to his wife Judy, Frank is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Pugliese of Southborough and Amy Ginter along with his son-in-law David Ginter of Monroe, Conn., and grandchildren Samuel and Abigail Rose; his sisters, Susan Pugliese of Cortlandt, N.Y. and Daphne Daddino and her husband Patrick of Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; and in-laws Mary and William Stevens of Fairport, N.Y, and Walter Drumm of Leesburg, Va. He is also survived by his nephew, many nieces, grandnieces/nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and sister-in-law, Barbara (Stevens) Drumm.

Private graveside services were held at Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury, with Rev. Ann Scannell of Trinity Episcopal Church officiating. A celebration in his memory will be held when it is safe to gather together again.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NEADS, P.O. Box 1100, Princeton, MA 01541. Family pet Max was adopted from NEADS many years ago and meant the world to Frank.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the compassionate staff at UMass Memorial CCU for their support and kindness during this difficult time.

Frank was a devoted family man and proud father and grandfather who will be missed beyond measure. He will leave this world a quieter place, whether it be from the absence of his whistling throughout the house or his larger than life presence in ours.

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