Robert Anthony Puma

Robert Anthony Puma, 86, of Berrien Springs, MI, passed away with family at his side on November 10, 2024, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, Niles, MI. Bob gave it his all until he couldn’t anymore. 

Bob was born June 7, 1938, to Antonio and Irene (Leight) Puma in Batavia, NY. He grew up in Oakfield, NY, attended St. Cecilia Catholic Church and, in 1956, he graduated from Oakfield-Alabama High School where he excelled in academics and sports. Following graduation, Bob attended Michigan State University where he earned an engineering degree in 1960. He went on to earn a graduate degree in mathematics from University of Notre Dame in 1972. While at MSU, he married the late Sandra Repke Braddock, the mother of his children, who remained a friend for life. 

Bob began his teaching career at Saint Joseph Public Schools, Saint Joseph, MI in 1961, where he taught mathematics. He retired from SJPS in 1995. During his years at St. Joe, he coached 8th grade and junior varsity basketball, varsity baseball, and junior varsity football. 

In 2011, Bob married his long-time friend, Pamela Bowerman. Bob loved spending time with family and friends, and with the many felines he had over the years. He enjoyed listening to all kinds of music with jazz and opera being his favorite. He played music including clarinet, guitar, mandolin and accordion. He also enjoyed tending to his flower beds, birdwatching, weightlifting, watching old movies and westerns, and traveling to Hawaii to visit family. He was a passionate sports fan especially for his number #1 teams Michigan State Spartans and the New York Yankees, and for his kids and grandkids. He loved sailing and participated in several Chicago-Mackinaw sailing races. He served as director of youth sailing at the St. Joseph Yacht Club for several years. He also played quarterback with the Southwest Michigan Hawks, a semi-pro football team from the 70’s; and, on local area baseball teams. Upon retirement, he and Pam traveled to Alaska and throughout the United States as well as Mexico and Europe. 

Survivors include his wife Pamela, his son Yano (Rhianna) Puma of Coloma, MI and daughter Ivy Sue Puma of St. Joseph, MI, grandchildren Devin, Anthony (Aaliyah), Arrol (May), Alora, and Aris Puma; Levi and Sophia Valley; and great granddaughter Lilly Puma. He is also survived by his brother Norman (Ann) Puma, aunts Joyce Puma (late husband Charles) and Jackie Puma (late husband Joseph), nephew Jerry (Kelly) Puma, niece Shari (John) Puma Sawyer, Jason Valley (father of Levi and Sophia), mother-in-law Edytha Bowerman, and many great nieces and nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and special friends and students he stayed in touch with throughout his life. 

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, and several aunts and uncles. 

Per Bob’s and the families wishes, cremation has taken place. The family is planning a celebration of Bob’s life for next summer, his favorite season. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bowerman Funeral Home in Eau Claire, Michigan. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.BowermanFuneral.com.