John A. Purpura

John A. Purpura, 71, of Jamesport, N.Y., formerly of Brooklyn and Staten Island, passed away at home on July 7, 2012.

Johnny, as family and many friends knew him, was born in Brooklyn on March 2, 1941, and was the son of the late Dr. John and Edith (Graham) Purpura. He graduated from Poly Prep Country Day School and Wake Forest University — and at both schools he was a record-setting shot-putter. He later graduated from St. John’s University Law School. For many years Johnny had worked in the insurance risk management industry.

Johnny loved the North Fork of Long Island and its beautiful Peconic Bay. He began his experience here during childhood summers on Nassau Point in Cutchogue and was fortunate to call this area home for many years. Being on his boat always brought peace and happiness. A highlight each summer was a visit by many members of his extended family for a cruise to the sand dunes near North Sea on Great Peconic Bay.

Johnny is survived by his children, Jeanne Romanello and her husband, Anthony, of Staten Island, Robert, and his wife, Jill, of Aquebogue, and John, of Riverhead; his sisters, Edith Wilson and her husband, Ronnie, of Greenwich, Conn., and Vita Bernhardt of Carrollton, Ga.; his brothers, Anthony, of Staten Island, and Graham James and his wife, Joan Griffin, of Doraville, Ga.; and many nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends is planned for Wednesday, July 11, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Reginald H. Tuthill Funeral Home in Riverhead, where a service will be held Wednesday evening. Private cremation will be held Thursday, July 12.

In lieu of flowers, please perform an act of kindness in memory of this gentle and kind giant of a man.

This is a paid notice.