Ted Puffer

Merle "Ted" Puffer (15 October 1928 - 22 October 2003) was an American voice teacher and translator.

He taught the mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick when she was launching her career.

With his wife Deena Puffer, he translated The Merry Widow into English, producing a libretto favored by some singers.

He was the founder of the Nevada Opera, and its artistic director through the 1998/99 season. He taught in the music department of the University of Nevada, Reno from 1966 to 1994, and served as chair of the department. From 1994 until his death in 2003 he was on the voice faculty of the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.

The Puffers' daughter, Monica Harte, sings professionally and teaches singing, based in New York.