Michael Peter Duruttya III
1948-2020
Michael's nickname was "Puggy" and he was born on March 11. He performed with Jimmy and the Soul Blazers for 50 years though retired from the band in 2015. Michael graduated from Alliance High School in Alliance, Ohio in 1966. A musician since he was in the 8th grade, he played in his father's band and with the Bob Hamilton Band filling in on saxophone, drums and bass fiddle. Puggy had groups of his own such as The House Rockers and Pug and the Down Beats before joining Jimmy and the Soul Blazers. Other bands Puggy played with were Clockwork, Copperfield and PW Blues.
Michael did many commerical radio spots and loved sports. He was an avid Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns fan. He also was a great cook!
Michael is survived by the love of his life, his wife Jody; daughter, Andrea Chatigny; two granddaughters, Ashley and Airiona; several great-grandchildren and his sister, Michalene (Michy).
When Michael picked up his saxophone on the Bemus Point floating stage .. his Pops fans knew they were going to be treated to some soulful notes. Job well done. RIP Puggy.
Pat Locke, Maestro Muse
