Jim Alan Puleo, born October 1, 1956, in Willimantic, Connecticut, and a longtime resident of Hampton, Connecticut, passed away on September 8, 2026, after a courageous battle with multiple chronic health conditions.

Jim attended Windham schools and graduated from Windham High School. Early in his career, he worked at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, Connecticut. He later spent many years as a mental health professional at Natchaug Hospital in Mansfield, Connecticut, where he worked with adolescents. Helping others was an important part of Jim’s life, and throughout his adult years, he supported people in his community who were facing life’s challenges.

Jim was also an entrepreneur at heart. For many years, he ran his own autograph and memorabilia business, which allowed him to be present while his children were growing up. He enjoyed the NFL and had a genuine passion for autographs and memorabilia.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Jeanette Puleo; his brother, Brian “Bud” Puleo; and his brother, Michael Puleo, and his wife, Amy Puleo.

He is survived by his children, Brooke Puleo and Katelyn Puleo, and their mother, Sheila Puleo; his sister, Nancy Puleo; his brother, Steve “Jay” Puleo and his wife, Regina; his sister-in-law, Michele Puleo; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was also blessed with two very special friends, Karen Semmelrock and David Shenker, whose unwavering support meant so much to him over the years. They became his trusted caregivers, accompanying him through medical appointments, surgeries, and hospital stays and standing by his side through many difficult moments. Their friendship, compassion, and devotion were an important part of Jim’s life.

Jim will be remembered for the people he helped, the family he loved, and the friendships he treasured.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Jimmy Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or the Relay for Life of Southeastern CT through the American Cancer Society website. Both causes were important to Jim, and donations in his memory would be a meaningful way to honor his life and the compassion he had for others.

There are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, September 14, 2026 at the New Willimantic Cemetery.