South Hadley – Eugene "Skip" Pula Jr., 72, died Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Baystate Medical Center. A longtime South Hadley resident, Skip was born in Northampton, son of the late Eugene F. Pula Sr. and Irene (Malczynski) Pula. He was a 1970 graduate of SHHS and attended HCC.

After more than 30 years with Verizon, he retired from his position as central office technician in 2007. Skip enjoyed many years as a youth coach for hockey and girls softball and soccer and was always his own children's most avid sports fan – as well as that of the Red Sox and Patriots. After retirement, Skip spent as much time as possible in one of his favorite places – at his home in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. There he enjoyed golf, happy hours (featuring his trademark "Skip pours" – aka wine to the brim), a cigar with friends and most importantly, cherished family time.

Skip treasured friends old and new, loved sharing and hearing stories, and could always find something in common with everyone. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Skip leaves his wife Nadine (Tremblay) Pula, son Eric Pula and significant other Kristin Reynolds of North Carolina, daughter Andi Pula of Florida, two "sisters," Susan Rejniak of Southampton and Diana Capuano of South Deerfield, sister-in-law Lucienne Czupryna and nephews David and TJ Czupryna.

A funeral is planned for Saturday, August 3, at O'Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley, with a calling hour from 9:00 am to 10:30, followed immediately after by a funeral home service. Memorial donations may be made to the Take and Eat Program at St. Patrick's Church, 30 Main St., South Hadley, MA 01075. For more information or to leave online condolences, please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.