Richard Thomas Purvis

Rick graduated from Cranston High School and the University of Rhode Island. After college, Rick joined the Navy where he served for 4 years on a Destroyer and a Submarine Tender and was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant. After the Navy, Rick began his career as an Auditor at Ersnt & Young in Portland, Maine where he met the love of his life, Sandra Burnell.

After a year in Portland, Rick and Sandy moved to Madison, CT, which became their home for the next 25 years while Rick worked in Ernst’s New Haven and Hartford offices. They formed many friendships including the family’s life-long friends on Sportsman’s Hill Road. Rick was known for his dry sense of humor and quick wit. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed listening to classical music and playing golf.

While in Madison, Rick volunteered as a Youth Football referee, was a long-time member of the Exchange Club, and volunteered for many years at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church as an Usher and Treasurer.

In the late 1980’s Rick and Sandy moved to Wellesley, MA, where they met a new circle of close-knit friends. Just before retiring in the late 90’s, Rick and Sandy moved part-time to Naples, FL and became enthusiastically involved in the Country Club of Naples along with many of their friends from Ernst. Rick, who appreciated the time with his buddies and banter on the golf course, had a hole-in-one at age 74.

Rick played an active role at the Country Club of Naples serving as President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary and continued in similar roles with the club’s fundraising team. Rick and Sandy loved golfing, dining, and attending events with their friends at the club. Rick continued to golf until he was 90.

Rick is survived by his son Daniel Thomas Purvis and wife Beth, son-in-law Robert MacDonnell; and his grandchildren Megan, Sean, and Alison Purvis; Madeline and Kyle MacDonnell, as well as many nieces and nephews from Maine to Milwaukee to New Mexico. Rick loved his family and had a deep affection for his grandchildren.

Rick was predeceased by his wife Sandra Burnell Purvis, brother Robert James Purvis, and daughter Deborah Purvis MacDonnell.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Madison, CT, on Saturday, February 7, at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to H.E.R.O.E.S. Care or the National Foundation for Cancer Research.