William "Bill" J. Puhala, 75, of Sharon, PA passed away after an extended illness on July 11, 2025, in UPMC Shenango Valley Hospital. He had lived with an LVAD Heartmate II (mechanical heart) for nearly 12 years, fondly referred to by loved ones as "Bionic Bill".

Bill was born April 21, 1950, in Pittsburgh, PA and raised by Joseph Puhala and Mary (U'Halie) Puhala in Farrell, PA. Bill was graduate of Kenndey Christian School in Hermitage and was later drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He was honorably discharged after serving a tour of duty in Germany.

Bill was a member of the former Holy Trinity Church in Farrell. He worked in the mill for 43 years, primarily for Wheatland Tube, formally Sawhill.

Bill was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America throughout his youth and spent 20 years as a scout leader. He was also a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Knights of Columbus.

A fan of classic cars, Bill also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and deeply valued time in nature. Bill was an avid gardener and was known for sharing his tasty home-grown veggies each summer with friends and neighbors.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of nearly 49 years, Katherine (Martell) Puhala, of Sharon; a son, Dan Puhala and his spouse, Lisa Puhala, of Pittsburgh, PA; a daughter, Sarah Puhala, and her fiancé, Matthew Peterson, also of Pittsburgh, PA; two grandsons, Nicholas and Lucas Puhala, a sister, Gerri Kelley and her husband, Patrick; a brother-in-law, Robert Martell; and several nieces and nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, Bill was preceded in death by a niece, Kathleen (Kelley) Phillips.

A memorial service will be held at noon on July 26, 2025, at Shenango Vally Baptist Church, 40 S Neshannock Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148.

The interment will be in the National Cemeteries of The Alleghenies at a later date.