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Charles K. “Chuck” Purce, formerly of North Hornell

HORNELL-Charles K. “Chuck” Purce, 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 councilor 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.

To leave an online condolence or print a memorial form, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com


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