Wilfred Puig, K4QLM SK Wilfred Puig JUNE 11, 1936 – NOVEMBER 25, 2023 Wilfred Puig (Fred) of Cocoa, passed away peacefully at St. Francis Care Center, at age 87. He leaves behind his wife, Lois Puig, of 59 years, brother Sergio (Anne) Puig of Lebanon, OR, brother Danny (Maria) Puig of Hamilton, GA, nephews Mark and Steve Puig of Tampa, FL, nephew David (Linda) Puig of Winter Gardens, FL, niece Pam (Chris) Leonard of Pensacola, FL. Born in Havana, Cuba, to American-born parents, but grew up in Key West, FL after arriving in 1942. He came to Brevard County after graduating from Barber School and a four-year hitch in the Air Force, as a radio operator in the caves of IWO JIMA (a refueling station at that time). He worked part-time as a barber and also was a Ham operator with a call sign K4QLM (Quacky Little Monster). He applied for a barber position with a contractor to the NASA office and was hired in 1966. Worked there for 20 years, taking a break in 1986-89 to finish Coast Guard Reserves, where he utilized his photography skills. Received military retirement in 1955 and then retired from Kennedy Space Center barber shop (OSB) in 2018. Fred enjoyed playing chess and pursuing foreign languages, he was competent in many, was a life member of the American Radio Relay League, and developed friendships with many astronauts. He remained faithful to his childhood training to the end. Fred was always pleased to educate himself, he had many interests. He loved his dogs Cookee and Muffee, painting, diving, white water rafting, and traveling. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Life Event Center on Wednesday, December 13th. The visitation will begin at 10:00 am with a service to follow at 11:00 am. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/rockledge-fl/wilfred-puig-11556285
