HOLYOKE — The late Don Puza, who was remembered for his generosity after his passing earlier this year, was made an honorary Lion by the Southampton Lions Club at its Monday night meeting.
“His generosity and service to our community will be treasured for generations to come,” said Jim Brodeur, president of the club.
The meeting took place at the Summit View restaurant in Holyoke, and three of Puza’s children were present to accept the honorary plaque the Lions awarded to their father.
“He never wanted to be acknowledged for all of his generosity,” said Vicky Puza-Allen, one of Puza’s daughters. “He just did it from the bottom of his heart.”
Puza was the owner of Puza’s Pure Food Market in Southampton, and the business remains in the family.
Josh Puza, Puza’s son, said his father would have appreciated being honored.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said.
Josh Puza said that his father worked very closely with the Lions Club, providing donations and discounts to them. However, he said that his father was never a member of the club during his lifetime. “No time,” Josh Puza said.
At the meeting, the Lions also announced that the club’s annual chicken barbecue fundraiser looks to have made an approximately $2,700 profit.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.