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John Purgar Obituary
January 1, 1942 – August 15, 2023
JOHNSON CITY - John Francis Purgar, age 81, died in Durham, North Carolina on August 15, 2023. He was born on January 1, 1942 to the late Stanley and Nora Purgar.
John grew up in Nassau County, New York and graduated from St. Michael's College in Vermont. He subsequently joined the Navy, serving the bulk of his term in Norfolk, Virginia. John was a pilot before anything else - whether in the Navy, as a captain for Eastern Airlines, or as a flight instructor for America Trans Air - he never met a plane he didn't love. He made his home in Miami, Florida for over thirty years with his beloved wife Noma. After his retirement from aviation, he embraced his new hometown in Johnson City, where he pursued his love of music by volunteering at the Birthplace of Country Music museum, attending countless concerts, and studying Bluegrass at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). He was also an avid fan and attendee of ETSU women's basketball games. His greatest personal connection at the end of his life was with his Romeo club (retired old men eating out), where he met friends who became his brothers. John Purgar never met a stranger and loved to make people laugh.
John is survived by his daughter Page Purgar, son-in-law Steve McDonald, and granddaughter, Marleigh Purgar-McDonald, as well as his sister Noreen, his brother Stanley, and their families.
John was preceded in death by his wife Noma Burnett Purgar and two of his brothers, Joe and Kevin.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Johnson City.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The Purgar family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com - select obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Purgar
Sponsored by Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory - Durham.
3 Entries
Bobby della brown
December 12, 2023
He was one of the most delightful, intelligent, funny and kind people we have ever met. We miss him so much. Think of him all the time. We were so blessed to have had him in our lives. Bobby della brown
Joseph P Blake, Jr., Esq.
October 5, 2023
John was a good friend at Holy Cross High School. Always smiling, he was well-liked by everyone. We played on our class intramural basketball team together. John´s father was a school custodian and would let us practice in his school´s gym. John was an excellent student and had an aptitude for mechanical drawing. He had great spacial visualization. That is probably why he was a great pilot. He was proud of his service in the United States Navy and of his 164 aircraft carrier landings. John will be missed.
Jeff & Sandy Street
September 22, 2023
We shared many great times with John. We miss his jokes the most. He was so good to us.
He may not be able to come to us, but we can go to him one day.
Much love to his daughter and family.
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Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory - Durham1113 W. Main St, Durham, NC 27701
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