Robert E. Purdy

Robert E. Purdy, 79, of Middletown passed away peacefully Sunday, January 27, 2013 at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, RI surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Dorothy Elizabeth (Gill) Purdy for 55 years.Born on March 7, 1933 in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late Walter and Doris (Ciak) Purdy. Mr. Purdy served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict (1951-1953). After being the nemesis of "jack of all trades", he purchased what became B J Cycle where his selling and repair skills earned him trips to Europe. He later owned Newport Suzuki. For the last twenty years he has been sexton at St. Mary's Church in Newport, RI. In addition to providing for his wife and family, Bob was an avid motorcyclist attending the Laconia motorcycle races after 57 years straight. He was named the first "Athlete of the Month" at the Newport Athletic Club in 2011 where he faithfully worked out every day until his last days. Besides his wife of 55 years, he was the loving father of Laura A. Hull and her husband David of West Warwick, RI, Lisa E. Bulot and her husband Charles of Houston, TX, Robert E. Purdy and his wife Christina of Tiverton, RI, Meridith L. Smith and her husband John Smith Jr. of Houston, TX and Gregory D. Purdy and his wife Jocelynn of Middletown, RI, he also leaves his brother Walter Purdy of Groton, CT, as well as ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren.He was the brother of the late Charles Purdy and the grandfather of the late Jennamarie Hull. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2013, from 4-8pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI. His funeral will be held on Friday, February 1, 2013, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Mary's Church, Spring Street, Newport, RI. His burial will follow in St. Columba Cemetery, Brown's Lane, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kayliegh Hull Scholarship fund, c/o Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840. Cemetery Details St. Columba Catholic Cemetery Brown's Lane Middletown, RI, 02842 Visitation JAN 31. 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service FEB 1. 10:00 AM St. Marys Catholic Church 12 William Street Newport, RI, US, 02840