Remembering Fr. Robert W. Puhlman

Reverend Father Robert W. Puhlman, age 75, passed into eternal life on October 18, 2024.

Father Puhlman was born on July 18, 1949, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Margaret and Albert Puhlman. He was one of four siblings: Peggy, Martha, and Albert Jr. The family moved to California when he was nine, where he completed school and began his journey in religious life with the Salesians of Don Bosco. Later, he pursued priestly formation in the Diocese of Orange and was ordained on June 9, 1984, by Most Rev. William Johnson.

Father Puhlman served at numerous parishes across California and Nevada, including St. Irenaeus, Cypress; Our Lady of Fatima, San Clemente; St. Kilian, Mission Viejo; Holy Spirit, Fountain Valley; St. Cecilia, Tustin; Our Lady of Las Vegas; St. James the Apostle, Las Vegas; La Virgen de Guadalupe, Mesquite; and St. Anthony of Padua, Las Vegas, where he was Founding Pastor. Known as "Bob the Builder," he oversaw the construction of two churches in Las Vegas, demonstrating his devotion to the Church’s growth.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Carole, brother-in-law, Don, and his nieces and nephews.
A Vigil for Father Puhlman will be held on October 29, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua, Las Vegas, at 7:00 PM, with Rosary preceding at 6:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow on October 30, 2024, at 11:00 AM, with Most Rev. Gregory W. Gordon presiding. Services will be live-streamed at www.SAPLV.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Anthony Building Fund at www.SAPLV.com.