ITHACA – Dr. Harold L. Purdy, 84, of Ithaca, passed away peacefully on Aug. 23, 2012, after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Born March 2, 1928 in Norwich, Harold became an outstanding basketball player for his high school and later went on to play for Hartwick College, where he earned his B.S. degree in biology. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict, quickly reaching the rank of Sergeant. Following the war he attended dental school at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio, were he earned his doctorate degree in dental science. While at Case Western he was elected to the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon.
In 1958 Dr. Purdy opened his practice in Ithaca. His career was marked by a lifelong commitment to providing his patients with the best possible treatments, becoming the first to introduce implant dentistry to the area. He was a member of the American Dental Association, former President of the Sixth District Dental Society and The Antique and Clasisic Boat Society, Inc. He spent a short time away from his practice in 1967 traveling on mission for the Presbyterian Church and Christian Dental Society to India to set up a dental clinic in their hospital. Always active, Harold enjoyed spending time with family and friends, skiing, boating, woodworking, eating seafood and watching Duke basketball. He loved to learn and wished he could have been a life-long professional student. Harold spent numerous years, with his wife’s help restoring his classic 1955 Grevette boat “Pocahontas.” He built his own home and dental office, along with designing and building multiple pieces of custom furniture.
Predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Emma Purdy and a sister, Bessie Bauls. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Janet Purdy; his children, Dr. Chris (Patricia) Purdy of Ithaca, Jan (Randi) Purdy-Cary, of Ithaca, Dr. Marc (Michaela) Purdy of Ithaca and Kim (Michael) Cerone of Niskayuna; grandchildren, Samantha Cary and Alexandra Purdy; step-grandchildren, Andrew and Benjamin (Poptart) Cerone. He is also survived by his sisters, Viola (Phillip) Furman and Mary Swertfager, as well as several nieces and nephews.
A memorial celebration of his life will be on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army or to a charity of your choice charity of your choice charity of your choice in Harold’s name.