He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Aboard the U.S.S. LST #356 landing craft, he took part in the June 6, 1944 D-Day Invasion in Normandy, France, where he was awarded a Purple Heart Medal.
He became a barber in 1950, opening his own shop in Riverside. It was a popular “gathering place” for politicians and professionals, alike. After “retiring” and closing his shop in 2005, he continued barbering until 2020.
Throughout his life, he was very involved in the community. He was an honorary Navy League member and an active member of the Jacksonville Jaycees, the VFW Post 1689, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Order of the Sons & Daughters of Italy Association, Lodge #2791. During his lifetime, he held a variety of officer positions and earned numerous special recognition awards from these organizations.
He also received a “Diplome” certificate in 2001 from the French Minister for Veterans Affairs for the World War II landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy.
In addition, he was instrumental in starting the School Safety Patrol Program in 1968.
He is survived by his 3 children, Toni Purpura, Mary Lewis, and Rick Purpura (Bonnie); 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; a brother, Gus; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A visitation and reception will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 4, at Oak Hill Cemetery-East, 2900 Crill Ave, Palatka,FL 32177, with Deacon Larry Hart officiating.
He always had a positive outlook, enjoyed staying busy and being around people…he “never met a stranger”. We’ll miss his warm personality and caring love.
