Deacon Samuel G. Puleo, a retired attorney, died May 9, 2019, of throat cancer. He was living in Port Charlotte, Fla., at the time of his death.

The son of George and Lena (Leone) Puleo was born July 2, 1943, in Buffalo, and attended public school, graduating from Lafayette High School in Buffalo. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Baltimore, where he went on to earn his juris doctorate. He practiced law in Pennsylvania, before returning to Buffalo.

He was ordained a permanent deacon on June 6, 2009, at St. Joseph Cathedral in Buffalo by Bishop Edward U. Kmiec. Deacon Puleo's first assignment took him to Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Orchard Park and ElderWood Health Care in Lancaster.  In 2011, he was assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Mary of Lourdes Parish in Mayville. In 2016, he went back to Nativity. He also served as a deacon in the Diocese of Venice, Fla.

He was a member of the Holy Name Society, Erie County Bar Association and Knights of Columbus. Deacon Puleo served as co-chair of the Pastoral Council, Spiritual Life Committee and Pre-Baptismal Committee at his home parish, St. Gabriel's in Elma.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; his son, Samuel P.; daughters Emily Bryant and Kate Unger; and grandchildren, as well as his siblings Patricia Aquilina and George Puleo. He is predeceased by his parents and sister, Barbara Boehringer.

A memorial Mass will be held June 8 at Nativity of Our Lord at 10 a.m.