Daniel F. Puckett

Daniel Francis Puckett, known affectionately as Dan or Danny, passed away peacefully on the morning of September 17, 2026, after a long illness.

The youngest son of Atlee Mears Puckett and Margaret Helen Heckel, Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Lee and Larry, and his brother-in-law Ronald Reis.

Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Daniel attended St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and later Blessed Sacrament School in Kenmore, NY. It was during these early years that Daniel’s Catholic faith began to take root and would continue to guide him throughout his life.

Daniel’s love for cars started around age nine when the Puckett family moved to the Allenhurst Apartment Complex. As a teenager, Dan, his brother Larry, and close friends Al Romus and Dave Weber spent countless hours working on cars in the back alley. He tested his skills and passion at the Niagara Dragway — losing often, but never quitting — and became a multi-year survivor of the Demolition Derby at the Erie County Fair, coming close to victory more than once.

Dan attended Amherst High School and graduated from Burgard High School, but it was at BOCES Harkness Center Vocational and Technical School where his talent for restoring classic automobiles flourished. After restoring a ’57 Chevy at Harkness, he went on to transform the remnants of a ’55 Chevy Nomad that he acquired from a junkyard to a beautifully restored car of show quality. This Nomad remains with the Puckett family to this day, making occasional appearances at classic car shows throughout the Buffalo area. Perhaps its most memorable appearance, however, was as the backdrop for photos on Leah and Rob’s wedding day.

Shortly after high school, Dan enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserves and served with the 914 Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (CAMS) at the Niagara Falls Air Force Base. As an aircraft mechanic, he maintained the C130 fleet and traveled with the squadron to destinations across the country, including Alaska.

Dan earned a diploma in Electronics from Erie Community College in 1977, beginning a 40+ year career in telecommunications. He worked for Amherst Cable, International Cable, Adelphia Cable, Prime Cable, New York Telephone, NYNEX, and Verizon.

Dan was a proud member of the Communication Workers of America, CWA Local 1122, and he never missed an opportunity to connect with coworkers — whether through softball, bowling, golf leagues, or union events, you would be sure to find Dan there.

Committed to lifelong learning, Dan earned an Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering from ECC in 1983 and a Bachelor’s degree from Empire State College in 1995.

Dan’s love of fishing began when Darlene gave him a tackle box and took him on a day trip to Lime Lake with Florence, his future mother-in-law. A later trip to Temagami Riverside Lodge in Ontario with his Brother-in-Law Ronnie and others, sparked a deeper passion for boating and fishing, leading to numerous return visits where many fish were caught and beers consumed, but most importantly, a lot of wonderful memories were made with family and friends.

In 1974, Dan married the love of his life, Darlene. After their honeymoon in Jamaica, they settled on Mill Street in Williamsville where they met the Yanni family. What began as a friendship between two young families grew into a lifelong bond, as they shared the joys and adventures of raising their families together.

Dan became a father in 1978 with the birth of his son Ryan, and again in 1980 with his daughter Leah. He shared his love of fishing and the outdoors with his children during numerous camping trips to Jellystone Campground and Lake Chautauqua.

In 1983, the Pucketts moved to the Village Green neighborhood, where their family roots deepened. There they befriended the MacRitchie family, who also shared their passion for the outdoors. Together, they enjoyed memorable camping adventures at Fish Creek Pond in the Adirondacks and Allegany State Park.

Dan was a constant presence in his children’s lives — he could always be found helping out at hockey rinks, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields. It was always Dan that made traveling for sporting events much more special than the games themselves. Whether providing transportation for multiple families, or bringing the family boat when tournaments were near a body of water, Dan turned ordinary weekends into extraordinary memories.

A dedicated planner, Dan took his family on countless vacations including trips to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios; Acadia National Park, Washington, D.C., Mackinac Island, Nashville, NYC, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta, Cedar Point, and many more. He ensured his children stayed connected with extended family through trips to Ohio, North Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. But his favorite destination was his Father’s hometown of Key West, FL, where a visit to Sloppy Joe’s Bar  for a beer with family and friends was always one of his most favorite things.

Dan was a devoted sports fan and followed the New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills, and Buffalo Sabres. He loved golf and was a longtime participant in the Puckett Brothers & Friends (PB&F) annual Myrtle Beach golf tournament, organized by his brother Lee for more than 30 years. Family and friends came from all across the country to participate in this long weekend of laughter, fun & golf, and Dan treasured these gatherings immensely.

After his children were grown, Dan and Darlene continued their adventures, traveling to Arizona to visit lifelong friends and celebrating anniversaries with dream trips to Alaska and Hawaii.

Dan retired from Verizon in 2010 and set out to complete his bucket list. He purchased a motor home and traveled with Darlene across the country, visiting many National Parks including Yosemite, Sequoia, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Zion, Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons, as well as other picturesque destinations such as Jackson Hole, Custer State Park, the Black Hills, the Badlands, Monument Valley, the Painted Desert, and the Grand Canyon, just to name a few. A recreational gambler, he enjoyed stopping at casinos along the way — never winning big, but always winning enough to make the journey worthwhile.

In 2017, Dan fulfilled a longtime promise to Darlene to return her and the family to her childhood summer stomping grounds on the shores of Lime Lake. It is here that he shared his love of fishing and boating with his grandchildren, creating memories that continue to grow with each passing summer.

Above all, Dan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family was the center of his world, and he took great pride in creating a lifetime of adventures, traditions and memories with the people he loved most. Dan will be remembered for his compassion, kindness, friendship, imaginative sense of humor, warm smile, unmistakable laugh, and enduring love for his family, friends, and everyone he met. Although he will be deeply missed by all who loved him, his family and friends can take comfort in knowing that Daniel is resting peacefully in the arms of our Lord and Savior.

Dan is survived by his wife of 52 years, Darlene; son Ryan (Nicole); daughter Leah (Robert); sister Mary Lou Mancuso (George); grandchildren Edward, Luke, Andrew, Karina, Ethan, and Amilia; as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at New Comer Funeral Home, 5090 Transit Road, Depew, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church, 200 St. Gregory Court, Williamsville, NY 14221. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA).