Zelma B. Pugliese

Zelma B. Pugliese, 86, formerly of Wyomissing, died July 6, 2008 in Phoebe Berks Healthcare Center, Wernersville.

She married her beloved husband, Samuel A. Pugliese on March 4, 1944.

Born in Moline, IL, she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Rebecca (Silverman) Brown.

She was a graduate of Easton High School in 1939. Following high school, Zelma joined the United States Navy.

Zelma served in the WAVES, a voluntary division of the United States Navy. She was a radio operator, 2nd class, during WWII.

In addition to being a U.S. Navy Veteran, Zelma was a member of WAVES National #120, the American Legion Post #635 and Women Veterans of Berks County. She was also a charter member of the Women's Memorial, Washington, DC.

Other civic enrollments included, Berks County Senior Citizen Center, Reading Hospital Auxiliary, Reading Library and the Literacy Council.

She is survived by her husband, Samuel A. Pugliese, Phoebe Berks Village, Wernersville, PA. She is also survived by daughters: Marsha L., wife of John A. Raksany, Madison, WI and Janet P., wife of Leo E. Karl, III, New Canaan, CT. Four granddaughters, Deborah Raksany, Anna Raksany, Melissa Karl and Jessica Karl also survive her.

Zelma was predeceased by one sister, Shirley Brown and three brothers, Charles Brown, Maynard Brown and Morton Brown.

Services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Gethsemane Mausoleum, Hyde Park with entombment to follow. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kesher Zion Synagogue, 1245 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, PA 19602-1318. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.