Robert Stephen Puskas

Robert Stephen Puskas, 49, born on May 18, 1965, in Lakewood, California, passed away January 12, 2015. He resided in Long Beach, California, at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.

Robert Stephen 2nd son of: John Jevrem Puskas (2nd son) of Serbian parents
and Penny Ann Miller (1st dau) of German Father & Swiss Mother

John Jevrem 2nd son of: Karl Puskas and Mary Beke
Who have died in the Catholic faith, In Freeport, Illinois
(Family of 5: Karl George Puskas, John Jevrem, Anna Mary)

Penny Ann 1st daughter of: William Franklin Miller and Lilian Lauper
Who have died in the United Methodist faith, In Freeport, Illinois
(Family of 4: Penny Ann, Sherie Lynn)

Robert is the second son of this family of four. Bob's older brother John Michael is one year older and born in Illinois. Therefore, the migration from Illinois to California occurred when Robert was carried in the womb, early 1965. It took 3-days to travel across country in the new maroon, Chevy Impala convertible with factory air-conditioning. First son still a crawler had a soft pen occupying the whole back seat. A water bag on the radiator was still the sign of a traveler crossing the desert. Old Route 66, single hi-way, bumpy as it was and Artesia Blvd got us to a Motel in Lakewood, California. The Puskas' family headed by John J had no family ties or friends in this location only a promise of a Postal Carrier job in Downey, California. The family of 3 settled in Lakewood for a year, (Note: the 605 Fwy being constructed behind the house). During that time, God gave them another son named Robert who later wanted to be called "Bob". In July of the same year the family moved to a new home in Cypress, CA, where his parents still reside today.

In Bob's young life he was schooled at home, learned his ABC's, reading and making book reports, printing his name, simple math, doing puzzles, memorizing and learning prayers. He was deemed mentally gifted before starting kindergarten. As a teenager, he loved sports, playing baseball, building model cars, collecting baseball cards, NASCAR and exploring new avenues of life. Very seldom did he need to study, but was always on the honor rolls. He had a First Communion but was never Confirmed. As he got older he fell away from the Church. After 30-years he returned for a short period, but drifted away once again.

After graduating from Cypress High School, his brother went into the Navy and Bob was left unprotected in life. Bob was a loner. No one really knew what he thought. The naive, trusting soul he was, gave his first girlfriend the checkbook to pay the bills and she paid all hers and through Bob into bankruptcy. Second girlfriend was killed in a car crash on the way back from Las Vegas. He was easily influenced by what other people wanted… not what he wanted or not what was always right/correct for himself. He would let people crash at his apartment while he slept in the bathtub. He was a soft touch for a sad story, to help his friends whenever he could or to help the homeless in Santa Ana.

Bob could build or fix almost anything, even when everyone else gave up. He built probably over 10 desktop computers over a period of 5-10 years. It was a challenge because all components need to be tested for compatibility and loaded with a working system. More than once after the citation of a speeding ticket, he read the traffic code book, and fought his case in court. Sometimes he won. Bob was easy to talk to. He could go anywhere and fit in. He would stand and listen to the conversation, looking at the floor, bobbing his head agreeing with you and when you were done talking, he would rattle off his response so fast you couldn't understand.

In 1984 Bob was hired by the Post Office as a carrier in Culver City, California. Eventually he became supervisor and learned many tasks easily. Realizing his potential and knowledge, the Post Office sent him on details to various positions to deligate work, improved the flow of mail and boost morale in many offices. By his friends, foes and employees he is deemed a fair and honest man. He had 30-years of service.

Bob's health not the greatest since at the very early age of 7, he had surgery to remove tonsils and adenoids to clear his airways to improve his breathing and was diagnosed with sleep apnea. When he snored the whole house shook. Then he developed acid reflux. Throat scard so bad he couldn't swallow or eat solid food for a week or more. So for the past 20-years or more Bob has slept in an upright position. Why he didn't pursue alternatives to fix this abnormality, is speculation. He lived on the edge of society helping people and letting them help him, reckless and adventurous, getting out on his own. He was a kind and gentle man. Never went out of his way to hurt anyone. He liked playing baseball, building things from scratch, fast cars, fast everything, going out of his way many times to win approval. The smallest act of satisfaction was payment enough for him. He loved lighthouses. One of his last projects was refurbishing a wood 4' lighthouse for the yard, with strobe light and little people on the rails. His collection progressed into collecting sports jerseys, jackets and die cast race cars. Bob was smart in so many ways. He was a well-mannered man, dressed nice and smelled good. Happy, go lucky guy. He left his imprint in our minds and on our hearts.

Lord, we pray for the repose of his soul. We will miss him, RIP.
Bob Puskas found dead in his Long Beach apartment. January 12, 2015.