Thomas "Tom" Wible Puckey, age 91, of New Bern, North Carolina, formerly of Trafford, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born on March 2, 1933, in Lewistown, PA the son of the late Lewis Melbourne “Mel” and Mildred Puckey.  Tom was a cherished husband, devoted father, and adored grandfather. His infectious humor and quick wit endeared him to all who knew him, always ready with a warm smile and a corny dad joke. An avid race fan, Tom's skill behind the wheel and his exceptional mechanical aptitude made him a standout both on and off the track. He fondly reminisced about attending the "24 Hours at Le Mans" in the 1950s and remained a lifelong aficionado of NASCAR. In his later years, he found solace and joy in kayaking, embarking on countless float trips well into his 60s and 70s.  Tom graduated from Pitcairn High School and pursued his passion for forestry at Penn State University before bravely serving overseas with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He furthered his education at the University of Pittsburgh, earning a Bachelor of Science degree, and embarked on a successful career spanning over three decades as a Westinghouse shop foreman, retiring in the 1980s.  In addition to his professional pursuits, Tom was an avid Civil War enthusiast, a skilled deer hunter, and a passionate sports car aficionado. He found immense joy in delving into his family history and actively supported the “Let’s Talk Puckey” newsletter. Tom was a dedicated member of the Trafford United Methodist Church, where he found spiritual fulfillment and community.  Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Patricia Puckey; his son Stacey (Staci) Puckey; his daughter Laura (Anthony) Ference; his grandson, Nicholas (Emma) Ference; his granddaughter Morgan Ference and his sister Marlene (Puckey) VanRyn.  Family and friends will be received on Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 1PM until the time of a memorial service at 3PM in the John M. Dobrinick Funeral Home Inc., 702 7th St. (State Rt. 130), Trafford, 412-372-3111 with Pastor Justin Judy officiating.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom's memory may be made to Crystal Coast Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh, Newport, NC 28570, an organization that provided exceptional support to Tom and his family.  www.dobrinickfhinc.com