Emil "Frank" Pukis

Albany - Emil "Frank" Pukis passed peacefully on July 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Frank was born on March 20, 1941, to the late Emil and Marie Pukis in Albany, NY, where he would spend his entire 83 years. He was a proud graduate of Vincentian Institute (Albany) in 1957. After graduation, Frank began working at Matthew Bender and Company. It was there that he met the love of his life and wife of almost 50 years, Barbara Davidson.

Frank and Barbara remained in Albany, NY, raising their two children Debbie (Rothaupt) Pukis and Brian Pukis. Frank's main priority throughout his life was his family. Frank was an only child but became part of a large and loving extended family when he married Barbara, thinking of her siblings as his own. He took great pride in being there for his wife, children and grandchildren, attending all their events and being their biggest (and loudest) supporter. In addition to family get-togethers, Frank really enjoyed traveling, good food, a good, stiff drink, and an occasional friendly wager. Aruba and Wildwood Crest, NJ were two of Frank and Barbara's favorite places to visit both alone and with their extended family. After losing Barbara, Frank was fortunate to find a loving partner in Jane Griffin, with whom he lived the remainder of a full, and happy life.
Frank is predeceased by his Wife Barbara Pukis. Aunt Anne Del Belso, Joseph (Margaret "Peg") Davidson and Mary Anne (Tom) Murphy.

Frank is survived by his Children Debbie (Ron) Rothaupt, Niskayuna, NY; Brian (Kimberly) Pukis, Albany, NY; grandchildren Jack Rothaupt, Daniel (Kourtney) Rothaupt, Cody (Jorja) Rothaupt; Great-Grandchildren Louis Rothaupt and Tatum Rothaupt. Frank is also survived by his loving partner, Jane Griffin in addition to Richard (Alice) Davidson, Susan Allen, along with all his nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care (Westmere Dialysis Center); the staff at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany Medical Center; the rehabilitation staff at Albany Medical Center and Our Lady of Mercy; and the dignified and caring end-of-life care at the Hospice Inn.



For those who would like to honor Frank's life, do what he would have done. Have a drink, place a bet, and plan a heck of a vacation. Life is for living.
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