Carl Taylor Purkapile

CARL TAYLOR PURKAPILE of Alexandria, Virginia passed away on April 14, 2023 at the Inova Alexandria Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on September 5, 1933 in Neodesha, Kansas to Alice May Taylor and Carl O. Purkapile. He grew up in Lyons, Kansas. His younger brother Don predeceased him.

He served in the U.S. Army, mostly stationed in Germany where he learned to speak German. He received his honorable discharge on January 31, 1963. He then enrolled at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. but interrupted his college studies when he took a full-time job at Riggs Bank, since acquired by PNC Bank. He later resumed his academic pursuit by attending University of Virginia night school where he obtained an associate degree. He retired from PNC Bank in 1998.

Carl met his wife-to-be, Alicia G. Azarcon in 1971 while they were working in different departments at Riggs Bank. They were married three years later on April 14, 1974 in Washington, D.C. The couple settled in Alexandria, Virginia.

He was an avid fisherman and introduced his hobby to his wife Alicia’s extended family. He would organize annual fishing trips with them to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. He was also passionate about food and wine. He and Alicia traveled extensively in the US and Europe. France was a favorite destination mainly for its food and wine.

Aside from his wife Alicia, he is also survived by Kay Purkapile, wife of predeceased brother Don and the children of Don and Kay, namely, Brenda Purkapile Taylor and husband Robert, Steven Purkapile and wife Camille, John Purkapile and wife Christina, Denise Purkapile McManama and husband Aaron, nine grand nephews and nieces, and twelve great grand nephews and nieces. A nephew, Jason Purkapile, predeceased.

From his wife’s side of the family, he is also survived by sisters-in-law Elvira Azarcon, Araceli Pejo, Daisy Casino and husband Pete, brothers-in-law Warie Azarcon and wife Norma, Astor Azarcon and wife Amy, ten nephews and nieces-in-law and eight grand nephews and nieces-in-law.

A memorial mass to celebrate his life is scheduled on Monday, September 4, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary’s Basilica, 310 Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Basilica.