Henry "Hank" A. Puga

Henry A. "Hank" Puga passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2026, in Littleton, Colorado. Hank was born June 14th, 1929, in Berwind, Colorado to Antonio and Marie Puga. After his father passed away when Hank was seven years old, he grew up in Trinidad, Colorado with his mother and siblings.

Hank graduated from Trinidad High School, and attended Trinidad Junior College; he was an excellent athlete, participating in track. After college he worked at the Colorado State Hospital, where he met the love of his life, Agnes Scherrer, in 1951.

A veteran of the Korean war, Hank served in the Army as a Corporal in the mental health ward of a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, or MASH unit. He earned several medals during his service.

After returning home, he worked at the Colorado State Hospital again, and married Agnes in 1954. He then attended CU in Boulder beginning in 1956 until 1959, when the family moved to Denver and he worked various jobs for a couple of years. The family then moved to Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and Hank joined the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department in 1960, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant and worked until his retirement in 1996, except for a year with the State Patrol based in Manzanola, Colorado. The family relocated to south Jefferson County in 1978. During his time at the Sheriff's Department Hank worked in every department, including patrol, criminal investigations, the Lab and the jail. He was responsible for starting the Sheriff's Department Special Operations Response Team.

Hank and Agnes had seven children and celebrated 71 years of marriage in October of 2025. They were completely devoted to each other.

Hank pursued athletic activities, including skiing, softball and sports activities with his kids.

Hank and Agnes enjoyed the outdoors, traveling around the western United States with their children and by themselves. Road trips were the standard.

Hank and Agnes also traveled all over the country and internationally, and they enjoyed cruises together.

Hank took special pleasure and pride in his family, enjoying spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Hank is survived by his wife, Agnes; his children and their spouses Helen, Anthony (Nan), Lawrence (Linda), Agnes (Mark), James (Karen) and Katherine; as well as 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren who will cherish his memory and continue his legacy. He will be sorely missed by many friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his son Gregory, his parents and seven siblings.

Funeral Mass, Friday, January 30, 2026, 11:00 am, Light of the World Catholic Church, 10306 West Bowles Ave., Littleton, CO 80127. Reception follows Mass at church. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to your local food bank or shelter.