Al died peacefully in Sunnybrook Hospital at the age of 87, on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, the beloved husband of Mary Frances Puskas for more than 60 years. Al and Fran have four children Anna (Jim) Alton, John (Jane) Puskas, David (Tracy) Puskas and Sarah Jane (Steve) May. They have taken delight in their twelve grandchildren: Howard, James, Sarah and Frances Alton; Alex, Jillian and Caroline (John) Puskas; Jacob, Liam and Aaron (David) Puskas and Andrew and Sarah May. Al is also survived by two loving sisters, Helene Mayo and Margaret Gyemi and predeceased by his younger brother, Zoltan. He was a loving uncle to 13 nieces and nephews.
Al was the first child born in Windsor, Canada to Hungarian immigrants Sandor and Borballa Puskas. He graduated Walkerville Collegiate at 16 years of age and worked relentlessly to graduate in Honours Science from the University of Western followed by U of T Faculty of Dentistry. He first practiced dentistry in New Liskeard and then in Toronto. As a professional, he was avidly interested in post graduate continuing education and was president of the Toronto Dental Academy and the Toronto Crown and Bridge Study Club.
The fun of sports for a growing family enriched his and their lives. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed and excelled at tennis, skiing and sailing. At the age of 75, he embarked on the personal treat of a C.S. 30 ft. yacht “After All” and skippered a youthful and enthusiastic crew to win more than one or two races at the RCYC.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 1 p.m. at our home church, Eglinton St George’s United Church, 35 Lytton Blvd, Toronto.
The family carries a debt of heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sheldon Tobe of the Home Dialysis Unit of Sunnybrook Hospital for his care of Al for almost 20 years without which we would not have had as many happy years together. Over the years, we met many of his professional team of sensitive, caring nurses and pharmacists, Amy and Jenny and too many more to write down by name. The CCAS and St. Elizabeth nurses and PSW (Roberto) and Melissa gave us great comfort and support.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Home Dialysis Unit, Sunnybrook Hospital (www.donate.sunnybrook.ca/tribute 416-480-4483) would be appreciated.
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