Robert Dean Purinton

January 14, 1951-October 19, 2025

Robert Dean Purinton, 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Durham, Maine on October 19, surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Known simply as Dean to those closest to him, he was born in Connecticut and moved to Pownal, Maine as a young boy. Much of his childhood was spent at the home of his beloved Aunt Winnie—hunting, fishing, and exploring the quiet beauty of the Maine woods that shaped his lifelong love of nature.

Dean graduated from Freeport High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army. He was a Vietnam veteran whose quiet strength and resilience carried through every chapter of his life.

He is survived by his wife Gail, his son Matthew, his daughter Angela, and his daughter-in-law Shelley O’Brian, along with a large extended family.

Dean worked for many years as a lineman for Central Maine Power. After retiring, he found contentment on his property in Durham, spending his days with Gail—his childhood sweetheart, best friend, and devoted wife.

A voracious reader and passionate lover of history, Dean was a man of few words—a contemplative soul and quiet dreamer, somehow both complex and beautifully simple. He found joy in hunting with his son, traveling with Gail, and scouring flea markets for hidden treasures with his daughter. He cherished a good story, and his eyes would light up when told a particularly juicy one.

Dean will be remembered for his kind heart, independent spirit, and enduring, stubborn strength. He was truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

A private graveside service will be held in the spring, date and time TBD.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Maine Cancer Foundation, in honor of Dean’s life and legacy.

Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the Purinton family and share a memory of Dean.