Richard H. Purdy

Richard Harry Purdy, 85 of Sherburne, NY passed away the morning of Wednesday, November 7th, 2012
at the Veterans Home in Oxford, NY where he had stayed quite happily for several weeks. He was born
October 25, 1927 to Harry Purdy and Margeret Mollenkopf. He was raised in Hempstead, Long Island.
and graduated from Baldwin High School.

Richard was a loving, lifelong husband to his wife of 60 years, Celeste Morgan (birthname)..
His life with her was one of much laughter, great loyalty, a lot of hard work and endurance, and blessing.
Married in Valley Stream, NY September 25th, 1949, they shared the joys and challenges of raising
nine children - Richard (predeceased 2010), Deborah, Robert, James, William, Denise, Michael, Daniel,
and Catherine. In later years, he enjoyed his 21 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Richard had a tender heart and helped several children by inviting them into the household at their time of
need including Peter Madjar, Jeffrey Hale, Lawrence Morgan and several others. They were regarded as
his own by Richard. After the passing of his wife in 2010, Richard adapted to living independently,
but thought of his wife daily . Besides his surviving children, he leaves behind a sister, Doris Biviano
and a brother Harry Purdy.Jr.

Richard was an intelligent, ambitious man which was evident in his authority as Technician Fifth Grade in the Army
during WWII, building his own house from it's foundation on Long Island, as meat manager of the largest
A&P Food Market in the nation, as well as the Sherburne IGA, and as founder of Purdy & Sons Foods in
Sherburne, NY.in 1963. Richard was recognized as an expert meat-cutter, and was friendly and responsive
to his customers over the years. When the financial necessities of raising his many children called for it,
he worked three jobs simultaneously.

Richard had a quick wit even to his last day and loved nothing more than to make people laugh.
In reflection on his life in his later years, Richard would often state "we had a good life, a really good life - we
were very fortunate." In his latter days, he also looked to the faith of the Catholic Church for comfort and
guidance, Father Lester Smith of St. Malachy's being a frequent and welcome visitor. He will be buried at
St. Malachy's Cemetary alongside his wife. He will be missed by many and regarded for many years as a source
of inspiration and blessing.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Saturday, November 10, 2012 from St. Malachy's Church, Sherburne, followed by interment with military honors in St. Malachy's Cemetery.
Friends are invited to call at the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne on Friday from 5-6pm.