John C. Purvis

NORWOOD — Memorial services for John C. Purvis, 56, of 11 Prospect St., Norwood, will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Norfolk with Rev. Harold Wheat, pastor, presiding. A reception will follow the service at the Norfolk American Legion.

Mr. Purvis passed away Saturday morning (June 20, 2009).

John is survived by his wife, Diane, Norwood; his sons, Matthias, 21, at home and Henrietta, James, 17, at home, Benjamin, 14, at home; a daughter, Christiana, 23, at home; his parents, Bernard and Elizabeth Purvis, Norfolk; his brothers, Donald and Carolyn Purvis, Norfolk, and Randy and Lisa Purvis, Fairport; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his in-laws, Walter and Maryln Kaulfuss, Camp Verdee, Ariz., and his wife's brother and sister. He was pre-deceased by his brothers, Butch and Thomas.

Born on April 2, 1953 in Massena to Bernard and Elizabeth Simons, he married Diane Kaulfuss on Nov. 27, 1982.

He received a master's degree from SUNY Potsdam and a master's degree in education supervision from SUNY Brockport.

He worked for the Riverview Correctional Facility as an academic teacher. Prior to his work there, he worked as a sixth grade teacher at Trinity Catholic in Massena.

He was a member of the Public Employees Federation and was an avid runner, biker and swimmer. He enjoyed competing in marathons and duathlons. He was a three-time finisher in the Iron Man in Lake Placid. He also participated in the National Capital Marathon, the Hobble Gobble, and the Norwood Beach activities. He served in the U.S. Army as a medic.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John C. Purvis Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o NNCS, 7652 state Highway 56, Norwood, N.Y., 13668, for a senior who has been active and involved in track and field.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.buckfuneralhome.com.