Obituary of Salvatore Puleo, Sr.

Salvatore Puleo Sr., of Watchung, NJ passed away after a brief illness on March 14th. Sal was the oldest son of Joseph and Marion Puleo of Elizabeth NJ, who predeceased him. Sal was 88 years young. A brilliant and industrious businessman, Sal started off as a florist in Elizabeth, NJ. He continued his entrepreneurial ways and founded Puleo's Manufacturing in 1956. Skilled in design and sales, Puleo's Manufacturing became one of the largest domestic manufacturers of artificial Christmas trees and related products in the country. At Christmas time, the company was often highlighted in the news. He appeared on the CBS Sunday Morning show and was often quoted in various publications. He took pride in producing realistic, lifelike trees and was an innovator in the industry. Sal is credited with creating new products and holding many patents. With his ability to design and sell artificial Christmas trees, in 1990, Salvatore founded National Tree Company with his three sons. With headquarters and a showroom in Cranford NJ and showrooms in Hong Kong, England, Belgium and Italy, the business grew internationally. National Tree Company is one of the largest distributors of artificial Christmas trees to the retail market. Sal loved being surrounded by his family at the office and at home. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Pauline (Gerome} and his three sons, Joseph and his wife Rita, Richard and his wife Kim and Salvatore, Jr. and his wife Karen; His beloved grandchildren, Kimberly, Lance, Gabrielle, Noelle and Cynthia. Surviving are his brothers Tony and Joseph and sisters Anita and Marie and many nieces and nephews. Sal loved to spend his summers at LBI with his family. His passions were his garden and his koi fish pond. He was active with his son, Joe, in collecting antique cars. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 16, 2018 from 4 to 8 pm at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung. Funeral services will begin on Saturday at 9 am at the funeral home followed by a 10 am Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Stony Hill Church. Entombment will be at St. Mary's Stony Hill Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made to the Watchung Rescue Squad, 10 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ 07069.