Obituary of Kenneth A. Pulling

Kenneth Arthur Pulling of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away on February 14, 2019, surrounded by his family. Ken, lovingly known by family and friends as “Sonny”, was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 27,1932, to Inez Britton Pulling and Willard Pulling. He received his education in Cleveland School District, enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served in the Active Reserve. At an early age, he worked for the J.L.Music Co. and dedicated 30 years to this job. He married the love of his life, Marie Louise Stanik (Dolly), on August 30, 1952, and they raised four children. He led an active life and enjoyed many adventures, including traveling across the country, camping and boating with family and friends, leading a Boy Scout troop, and hiking the Appalachian Trail. He was a well-known leader who brought people together for countless events. Once retired, Ken and Dolly moved to New Port Richey, Florida. Ken enjoyed working part-time at Kash and Karry. He became an active member of St. Vincent DePaul Church where he served as an usher. He was also known for his kind acts of charity, always lending a helping hand and compassion to those around him. He was truly a friend to all. Ken and his companion Peg Smith also spent many memorable years together enjoying each others company. Ken enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his children: Ken (Shelley) Pulling Jr., Nancy (Jim) Hinkle, Mike (Karen) Pulling, and Mary (Mike) LaGuardia. His grandchildren include Holly Rieth, Jim Rieth, Renee (Jon) List, Kelly (Shannon) Pulling, Juliana Morales, Michael (Veronica) Pulling Jr., Nicole (Jenn Kazes) DeCaprio, Ashleigh DeCaprio, Michael (Monica) LaGuardia Jr., Nicholas (Kristy) LaGuardia, Samuel (Jenna) LaGuardia, Sarah (Cort) Logan, Melissa (Jeff) Jarboe, and Scott (Jen) Hinkle. He also dearly loved his great-grandchildren: Ryan, Riley, Rickie, Leah, Logan, Jonathon, Molly, Lauren, Audrina, Nathan, Lucy, Madelyn, Luke, Olive, Flora, Kate, Connor, Reese, and Jason. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie “Dolly” Pulling; his father, Willard Pulling; his mother and stepfather, Inez and Arthur Wright; his sisters, Harriet Forkapa and Laura Pulling; and his brother, Mario Pulling. Ken is survived by his other brothers and sisters: Mariana Finohr, Beverly (Milt) Tomsik, George (Joan) Pulling, Charles (Nancy) Pulling, Willard (Angie) Pulling, Arthur (Anna) Pulling, James (Sandy) Pulling, and Jeanne (Bob) Miller. In Florida, a funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, 4843 Mile Stretch Dr., Holiday, Florida. An interment service will held be at Trinity Memorial Gardens. A luncheon will follow. In Ohio, family and friends are invited to a celebration of his life at a Memorial service and luncheon on Sunday March 3, 2019 at 1:00 located at St. Adalbert’s Keller Center, 66 Adalbert St.,Berea 44017. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org.