Dr. Charles David Puglia, 81, of Dresher, PA passed away peacefully following a short illness on November 2nd, 2022. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Joanne, his daughter Allison Anne Bauer (Stephen), his brother Michael (Martha), as well as two adored grandchildren, Tyler and Chloe Anne. Charles also leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews who were an intrinsic part of his life.

"Charlie" was born on September 5, 1941, in Paterson, NJ to Charles and Wanda (nee Kazmierczak) Puglia. He began his pursuit of higher education by obtaining a B.S. Degree in Pharmacy from St. John's University, Queens, NY in 1963, advancing to a Master's Degree in Pharmacology from Rutgers, the State University, NJ in 1965 and ultimately receiving a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Temple University, School of Medicine in 1971. Following this educational trajectory, Charlie was offered a post­doctoral position at the University of Pennsylvania in 1972, where he and his colleagues conducted ground breaking research on the use of hyperbaric chambers which are commonly used today to treat various pathologies. His career in-Science and as a Professor of Pharmacology was a long, innovative and distinguished one -starting at the Women's Medical College of PA which evolved into the Drexel University School of Medicine, where he was appointed Associate Dean for Education.

Charlie was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and received the Medical College of Penna. Trustees Award for teaching excellence in 1996. The United States Surgeon General presented Charlie with an award from the Medical College of Penna. as the faculty member who made a significant contribution to medicine in 2000. Over the years, Charlie's medical students presented him with an unprecedented number of "Golden Apple" teaching awards.

The family, LaFamiglia, and tradition were dominant elements of Charlie's life. He and Joanne hosted the "Italian Christmas Eve" at their home for many, many years. He maintained a garden until he couldn't, and prepared many dishes from his yield which he shared with "LaFamiglia" and friends. There was always a lot of activity at the "House of Puglia." Photography and music from Verdi and Puccini to the blues were a big part of this Renaissance Man's life. He will be sorely missed by us all.

Relatives and friends are invited to call after 10:30 AM on Friday, November 11, 2022, at St. Alphonsus Church, 33 Conwell Drive, Maple Glen, PA. Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 PM with Pastor Msgr. Brian Hennessy as Celebrant. Interment will follow in George Washington Memorial Park, Plymouth Meeting, PA.

Memorial donations can be made in Charlie's name to: 

 Doctors Without Borders  https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ 

P.O. Box 5030

Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030

Mail Donation Form

or the 

American Red Cross  https://www.redcross.org./

PO Box 37839

Boone, IA 50037-0839

Mail Donation Form