J. Michael Puleo, Robertson Road, Hermitage, formerly of Oil City, passed away peacefully at his residence at 6: 25 a.m. on Thursday (6-23-11) after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 60.

Michael was born on July 12, 1950 in Oil City the son of Joseph S. and Freda Mae Davis Puleo.

He graduated from Venango Christian High School in 1968. He earned his degree from the Erie Business Center in 1971 and began a career in banking. In the 1980's he studied at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., and earned several professional banking certificates.

Mike worked from 1971 to 2001 for Mellon Bank and its predecessor Northwest Bank in their Western Pennsylvania region where he held various positions including regional President.

He was a member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage.

To say Mike enjoyed a good round of golf would be an understatement. He was a familiar face at his home course Sharon Country Club and was seen at most local golf outings with his many golfing foursomes. He loved to travel to golfing destinations with his friends to places like Myrtle Beach South Carolina, and Las Vegas Nevada. Mike had several hole in one's through the years, including a round where he and his partner shot back to back Ace's. He was a volunteer for the March of Dimes while living in Oil City and later for the United Way in Mercer County. He loved to give his time mentoring kids. He was the head J V basketball coach for 27 years in the Erie Diocesan league for both St. Patrick's Elementary School in Franklin, and later at Notre Dame School in Hermitage.

He served his country from 1969 to 1975 in the United States Army Reserves.

His first wife, the former Judith Kline whom he married on September 18, 1971 passed away in November 17 of 1982.

His present wife the former Mary Catherine "Cathy" Price whom he married on June 16, 1984, in Pocomoke City, MD survives at home. He also leaves his three sons, Todd M. Puleo, Cranberry Twp, Pa., Philip A. Puleo and his wife Ann Marie, Mount Laurel, NJ, and Andrew P. Puleo , Hermitage, a new arrival, his grandson Anthony Joseph Puleo; a brother, Lawrence Puleo and his wife Diane, Oil City; a sister, Vita Damon and her husband Mark, Lakewood, NY, a niece and two nephews, Stephanie Puleo, Craig and Kyle Damon.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Mike's memory Sharon Regional Health System Hospice and Palliative Care, 2320 Highland Road, Hermitage, PA 16148or a charity of your choice.

Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday (6-26-11) and from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Monday (6-27-11) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon.

A brief prayer service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday morning at the funeral home prior to processing to the church.

Services: Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday (6-27-11) at 11:00 a.m. in the Church of Notre Dame with Msgr. John B. Hagerty, former pastor of Notre Dame, and several diocesan priest concelebrating.