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John A. Purpura, 71, of Jamesport, NY, formerly of Brooklyn and Staten Island, passed away at home on July 7, 2012.
Johnny, as family and many friends knew him, was born in Brooklyn on March 2, 1941 and was the son of the late Dr. John and Edith Graham Purpura. He graduated from Poly Prep Country Day School and Wake Forest University; at both schools he was a record-setting shot-putter. He later graduated from St. John's University Law School. For many years Johnny had worked in the insurance risk management industry.
Johnny loved the North Fork of Long Island and its beautiful Peconic Bay. He began his experience here during childhood summers on Nassau Point in Cutchogue and was fortunate to call this area home for many years. Being on his boat always brought peace and happiness. A highlight each summer was a visit by many members of his extended family for a cruise to the sand dunes near North Sea on Great Peconic Bay.
Johnny is survived by his children Jeanne Romanello and her husband Anthony of Staten Island, Robert and his wife Jill of Aquebogue and John of Riverhead; also surviving are his sisters Edith Wilson and her husband Ronnie of Greenwich, CT and Vita Bernhardt of Carrollton, GA along with brother Anthony of Staten Island and Graham James and his wife Joan Griffin of Doraville, GA and many nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends is planned at Reginald H. Tuthill Funeral Home Wednesday at 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A service will be held Wednesday evening at the Funeral Home. A private cremetion will follow. In lieu of flowers please perform an act of kindness in memory of this gently and kind giant of a man.
