Daniel Joseph Puggini

Daniel Joseph Puggini, 69, of Clinton Township, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Father’s Day, June 20, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Daniel was born on an elevator, on its way up, to Rudolph and Theresa Puggini on October 3, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan at Hutzel Hospital. That was quite an entrance he made into this world! The nurses isolated him because he was born into an unsterile environment although that had no bearing on his confidence level but may have procured his wonderful sense of humor.
Danny got his license at the young age of fourteen-years-old, after his Dad’s passing, in order to assist his mom who didn’t drive.  This may have initiated his passion for cars. One year, he somehow convinced his mom to purchase a 1968 Oldsmobile 442 to get around in better. He, along with his older brother, Rudy, installed a racing cam and carburetor in it. He told her it was for better gas mileage!  After his mother found out he had been joyfully racing this hot vehicle, she sold it and bought a Dodge Dart in its place.

As a young man in high school, Dan met the love of his life and future bride, Debra Parent. They had homeroom together where Danny would find notes Debbie secretly wrote to him on various pages in his Government book. No wonder why he got a D in Government- she was quite the distraction! Dan played football for St. David Catholic High School where he was able to burn off some energy and display his athletic abilities. At the Homecoming game, Dan, as a senior, crowned Debbie, while still a sophomore, Homecoming Court. She was always his queen from the very beginning.Three years after his high school graduation, Dan and Debbie were married on October 6, 1972. Together, they raised four beautiful daughters; Julie, Christie, Lauren, and Jennifer. The girls and their friends often joked that their dad had a ticket straight to Heaven after bringing up these four troublemakers! Dan was an amazing father! He was a wise man with a strong mind and a soft heart and always seemed to be a step ahead of their crazy antics.

He was overjoyed to become a Papa to his dear grandchildren; Tyler, Christian, Addison, Elijah, Leah, Noah, and the late Zoey. All the grandkids loved fishing and boating with their Papa, spending quality time with him, listening to his stories, and driving him crazy with the energy he once had as a boy!

Family meant everything to Dan.

The highlight of his year was when his family went on their annual vacation Up North. The fish stories, bonding, and connections they made will be forever cherished.  
When he wasn’t with his wife, daughters, or grandchildren, he was with his work family. He worked in the engineering department for DTE for 45 years. After 40 years, he received the company's highest honor, The Alex Dow Award.

At DTE, he established many wonderful, lifelong friendships. They relied on him for not only his wealth of knowledge but also for his trust and compassion.
Dan will be remembered for his larger than life personality and his even larger heart.  Everyone who knew him loved him.

Beloved husband of Debra Puggini ,née Parent. Cherished father of Julie Puggini, Christie Talampas, Lauren (Matthew) Engelbert, and Jennifer (James) Epperson.
Proud Papa of Tyler, Christian, Addison, Elijah, Leah, Noah, and Zoey.

Daniel was preceded in passing by his dear siblings Sandra Gentile, née Puggini, and Rudy Puggini. Also preceded by his loved parents, Rudolph Puggini and Theresa Puggini, née Frattini.

Memorial visitation to take place on Sunday, June 27th, 2021 from 2:00 PM-7:00PM at the funeral home.
Celebration of life at 6:00 PM.

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