Richard Purdy

Richard L. (“Dick”) Purdy, 88, of Oxford, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.

Born in McDonough, NY, on November 12, 1924, Dick was the son of Louis and Maude (Beckwith) Purdy. He was a lifelong resident of McDonough. On April 6, 1967, also in McDonough, Dick married Katherine I. Diamond of Oxford, who survives. He was well known for his skills as a carpenter, building contractor and, in his later years, for the nursery business he shared with his wife and son. Dick served with pride in the Marine Corps and was a veteran of World War II. He loved the time he spent hunting, trapping and fishing, and was well known for his expertise in all of these activities. Dick was loved and respected by his family, and will be missed by all who knew him. Without a doubt, Dick is enjoying his new hunting grounds, trapping sets and fishing holes.

In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by his son, Richard Purdy II, of Oxford, step-children, Brian (Yvette) Jones, of Virginia, and Eric (Susan) Jones, of Greene; 12 grandchildren, and sister, Jean Ryan, of Oxford. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A memorial service to celebrate Dick’s life and honor his memory will be held at a later date at Union Cemetery in McDonough.

Contributions in memory of Dick may be made to either St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or to the Oxford American Legion.