Ralph Harry Purse

Ralph was born in Wilmington to the late Raymond H. Purse and Margaret (Coyle) Purse. Ralph grew up in Wilmington and graduated from Brown Vocational High School. He first worked at Electric Hose and Rubber, and then at General Motors where he retired after 28 years. In 1958, Ralph joined the Army National Guard and served his country for 3 years. Ralph had an amazing and tireless work ethic, working two jobs for many years, and dedicated his entire life, loyalty, and love to his family.

Ralph, alongside wife Florence, retired to Valrico, FL, where they’ve lived since 2006. He spent countless hours traveling to visit and spend time with grandchildren between Jacksonville and Tampa for birthdays, holidays, and school events. Ralph liked many sports, but in his younger days, he loved to bowl and was a member of bowling leagues in Wilmington. Part of his attire was wearing his baseball hat with every outfit, regardless of the occasion. In later years, you could find him trying to find a cool breeze and a spot of shade, relaxing in his garage in a comfy chair with a cigarette. He swore he didn’t inhale. Ralph is survived by his wife of 66 years, Florence (Milano) Purse; daughter Vickie (Purse) Glaum, her husband Mark Glaum and Ralph’s grandchildren Chloe, Madeleine and Ethan; daughter Valerie Purse and her children Amanda and Leighann; grandchildren Riley, Alexis, Freia and Karma; nieces Sandy and Susan; nephews Raymond, Wayne and Douglas Purse. Ralph is preceded in death by his beloved brother, Raymond and sister Margaret (“Peggy”) Purse.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on January 10, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Tampa at 10:00 am. Following the mass, a private service of interment with military honors, will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clearwater, FL.