Stephen Purich

Stephen Purich, 84, of Raleigh, NC (formerly Johnstown, PA), passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, just weeks after the death of his beloved bride of more than six decades, Carol Lee Purich (Divens). Their lives, long intertwined in devotion and shared purpose, are now reunited.

Steve’s life was shaped early by hardship few experience firsthand. Born into a family marked by faith, sacrifice, and endurance, he spent much of his childhood separated from his father, a Serbian Orthodox priest displaced by war. Steve himself endured years of communist oppression before reuniting with his family in the United States at the age of fifteen. Arriving in Johnstown, Pennsylvania without language or cultural familiarity, he learned early that perseverance, responsibility, and service were not ideals to admire, but obligations to live by.

In his professional life, Steve rose to the highest levels of his field, recognized among the top one percent globally as a perennial Top of the Table financial advisor and a consistent leader within New York Life’s Chairman’s Council and Cabinet. Yet recognition never defined him. His focus was always on lifting others, pioneering ideas, and building outcomes that would endure beyond his own involvement. He became the founding president of New York Life’s national charitable giving network and later served as Chairman of Renaissance Inc. Advisor Advance, roles through which he traveled extensively, mentoring and collaborating with many of the nation’s most accomplished advisors.

Though his academic path was unconventional, Steve led with uncommon authenticity and moral authority. He was responsible for or inspired the structuring of hundreds of millions of dollars in philanthropic planning, guided by a conviction rooted in Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” He applied that principle first to himself, not as judgment of others, but as personal responsibility, helping those who had been blessed to steward their resources in ways that meaningfully benefited others.

For his efforts, Steve received national recognition, including acknowledgment by President Ronald Reagan and a Congressional honor, distinctions he rarely mentioned, preferring attention remain on the work and the people it served. In retirement, his commitment to impact only deepened. He initiated mentoring initiatives and developed Tranquility Gardens to pass on critical life lessons and continue nurturing others beyond his lifetime. He was also honored as Goodwill Industries’ International Volunteer of the Year.

Steve was not a perfect man, but a man whose intentions were never in question. At times, he was known for creating tension, not from ego, but from an unwillingness to accept complacency when greater good was possible. He believed meaningful progress often requires discomfort and that leadership demands courage to challenge the status quo in service of something better.

At his core, Steve was a man of deep love. His devotion to Carol defined his life. Their marriage was marked by loyalty, laughter, and mutual care. In his final years, he endured significant physical suffering to ensure his bride was never alone and always cared for. Family meant everything to him, family by blood and family by choice. Friends were welcomed as kin, and gatherings were defined by generosity, conversation, and belonging. He challenged those he loved not to pursue self-gratification, but to live fully into the capacity entrusted to them. Having walked that path together, Steve and Carol are now Home, reunited in The Supreme Tranquility Garden.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, the Very Rev. Radisa Purich; his mother, Saveta (Josipovich) Purich; his sister, Olga Purich; and his wife, Carol Lee Purich.

He is survived by his children Todd Purich (Jodi), Nate Purich (Bonnie Kolber), and Lyn Sellars (Matt); his grandchildren Alyx, Tristen, Megan, and Nathan; and his great-grandchildren Crosby and Isabelle. He is also remembered by extended family in the United States and abroad, including relatives in the former Yugoslavia.

From abject poverty and communist oppression emerged a life of uncommon impact, lived not for recognition, but for authenticity, stewardship, and sustainability beyond himself.

Funeral services for Steve were held 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 6, 2026 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 5000 Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh, NC 27612, interment followed in Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27612.

A Celebration of Life for Steve's wife, Carol, was held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Asbury Church - Raleigh, 6612 Creedmoor Rd., Raleigh, NC 27613 with light refreshments following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Steve’s life are invited to make a donation to St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

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