Charles K. “Chuck” Pur
ce – (86) – formerly of 414 Seneca Rd., North Hornell, died Wednesday morning (February 17, 2016) in Jarrettsville, MD, where he had resided since 2014.
Born in Utica, NY on February 9, 1930, he was the son of Kenneth & Meade (Witt) Purce.
Chuck grew up in Oswego and was a graduate of Oswego High School. He later graduated from Oswego State College where he majored in History. Years later, he earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Alfred University.
He moved to Hornell in 1956 and began teaching history at Hornell Junior High School. After serving as a history teacher for several years, Chuck became Director of Financial Aid at Alfred University, a position he held for about 8 years. He returned to Hornell and became a guidance counselor at Hornell High School, retiring in 1992.
Chuck was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was a member of the NYS Retired Teachers Association. From 1947 – 1952, Chuck served as a member of the US Navy Reserves and received an Honorable Discharge. He enjoyed rooting for the New York Mets and also loved watching his kids play sports from grade school thru high school.
Chuck enjoyed going to Fair Haven, NY and renting a cottage every summer where he would fish and just be with his family. Billy Schu’s was one of his favorite places to go and have his morning coffee. He enjoyed simply sitting on his front porch where people walking by would stop & talk…. Dad did like to talk!
He was married on August 13, 1949 to the former Nancy Struallo who died June 4, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his son, Daniel J. Purce who died May 29, 1990; and his brother, Lyle Purce.
Surviving are 5 sons, Don (Doreen) Purce of Miami, FL, Tom (Mame) Purce of West Chester, PA, Dave (Gloria) Purce of Prescott, AZ, Chuck (Mary Beth) Purce of Binghamton, and Ken (Pam) Purce of Forest Hill, MD; 1 daughter, Carole (Gary) Luckenbach of Cohocton; 1 brother, Keith Purce of Oswego; 1 sister, Shirley Davenport of Oswego; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
The family of Charles K. “Chuck” Purce will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Chuck’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Faith in Action, 20 Broadway Mall, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or CLICK HERE to print a memorial form.
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Purce was one of the kindest teachers I ever had. He was a true gentleman.
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of this wonderful man. Mr. Purce was my Guidance Counselor at HHS and I remember him as a sweet, dedicated man. My father worked with Chuck at HHS for 25 years and remembers how easy going and kind he was to everyone. He always put the needs of the the students first. My parents and I send our condolences to all his family and friends. We are sorry we are unable to attend the funeral services as we are in New York City.
Much Love,
The Carusos
I was saddened to hear about his passing. He and his wife were wonderful neighbors in North Hornell. They lived a few blocks from us; but, we were always welcomed at their home and we would spend time there. My condolences to the family. May you have the memories to sustain you.
I used to work for Dr.Nasar Chaudhry and Charles and Nancy used to come there. They were great people and an awesome couple. They were wonderful. Glad they are together again.
It was a great pleasure to know your dad, he was truly a good man. Always kind with time for all the kids at school. He will be missed by so many. Our prayers are with all of his family as we are sure he already sits near God in heaven. Judy Strobel
So sorry to hear of Mr. Purce passing. He was a wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. May God bless you all.
I am so sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. He and his wife Nancy were wonderful people. I worked with Chuck in the Hornell Schools. He was a co-worker and also a friend. I am in Florida for the winter and will be unable to attend the calling hours and funeral mass. I am so sorry for your loss. I know that Chuck will be missed by many.
Prayers and thoughts are with Chuck’s family and friends. He was a wonderful teacher and a gentle man. My husband and I rented an apartment when we were newlyweds, from His’s wife Nancy’s parents when we lived in Oswego. We opened the door one day to find Chuck and Nancy standing in the door way and that is how we found they were related. One of the best surprises of out lives. Chuck always had a smile and a kind word to all he met. He was hero to me in many ways from husband to parent to teacher and I know that God has a special place for this example of a wonderful human being. Love and Peace Chuck. Tim and Sharon Haley
Our condolences to your family. Your Dad was a wonderful and caring teacher – one of a kind!
I was so sad to read about Mr. Purce’s passing. What a wonderful guidance counselor he was and always smiling. Thinking of your family at this sad time. He will always be remembered as one of the best at Hornell High School. God bless and may your wonderful memories always bring a smile to your face. In sympathy….
Carol, Mame, Tom and all,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Your dad was such a great man and always so kind and friendly to me. I remember my times with Carol and we would hang out at your house. Your mom and dad were always such a pleasure to see. I have such fond memories of your family. I think they we especially kind to me because they sympathize with me because Carol and I each had 6 brothers and we were the only girls in the family. Although I have not kept in contact through the years, it is times like these that we recall the goodness of our growing up years. I certainly would love to hear from you. You all are in my prayers but I am sure your dad is already an angel in heaven watching over all of you. God bless. Sending my love to all.