NORWOOD– Memorial services for 56 year old John C. Purvis, of 11 Prospect Street, Norwood, will be held Wednesday at 2 pm 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.

John is survived by his wife Diane, Norwood; his sons, Matthias, 21, at home and Henrietta, NY, 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, 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, Arizona, and his wife’s brother and sister. He was pre-deceased by his brothers Butch and Thomas.

Born in Massena on April 2, 1953 to Bernard and Elizabeth Simons, he married Diane Kaulfuss on November 27, 1982. He received a masters degree from SUNY Potsdam and a masters degree in Education Supervision form SUNY Brockport. He worked for the Riverview Correctional Facility as an Academic Teacher. Prior to his work there, he worked as a 6th 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, NY, 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