Ralph R. Purdy

SPRINGFIELD - Ralph R. Purdy, 85, of Dana St. in Springfield passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019 at Care one of Redstone. Ralph was born in Springfield on January 28, 1934, a son to the late James and Anita (DeGray) Purdy. He was educated in Springfield schools and graduated from Springfield Classical High School. Ralph enlisted with the US Army, serving with the 2nd US Army Research group as a Military Intelligence Specialist. He was honorably discharged and returned home in 1959. Ralph was a Supervisor and Lead Administrator with Social Security in Baltimore, MD for many years, eventually moving back to Springfield as Head Administrator before his retirement. After retirement he also served as the Executive Director of the Homeless Shelter on Taylor Street. Ralph volunteered his time in the community including many years as a Boy Scout Leader. He was a devoted communicant of Mt. Carmel RC Church in the South end. Ralph leaves several nieces and a nephew including Debra Merchant who was his caregiver in his final years. He also leaves two longtime friends; Bud Reid and Bill Donnelly. In addition to his parents, Ralph was sadly predeceased by all his siblings; Martina Gagne, James, Robert, Joseph and Martin Purdy. Family and Friends will gather at the Tylunas Funeral Home, 159 Broadway St., Chicopee on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. and departing at 10:30 A.M. in Processional to the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in  Agawam for the Rites of Catholic Committal and US Army Honors promptly at 11:00 A.M.  Donations in Ralph's memory may be made to Mt. Carmel Church, 123 Williams St., Spfld, Ma. 01105 or the Springfield Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 9045, Springfield, Ma. 01102-9045