Obituary of John Jesse Purdy

John Jesse Purdy

Age 60 of Elmira, NY

America has lost a great man. John Jesse Purdy, departed this life on April 25, 2023, at his home in Elmira NY, after a long period of suffering from a devastating Cancer. He was born in Poughkeepsie , NY 19 November 1962 to Margaret (George) and John R. Purdy (predeceased). He graduated from Pawling High School and spent 8 years in the U.S. Army as a Military Intelligence Specialist.

He is survived by his wife, Janine (Weaver Purdy), and her children, Justin Gallagher and fiance Rebecca Garbo, Jessica Gallagher and fiancé Mark Abbey, Ryan Gallagher and fiancé Katie Seymour, Cassie (Gallagher) Brunoccinni and her husband Angelino, Lilian Beaulieu and her fiancé Tyler Stevens, Alex Beaulieu, a daughter Joanne Purdy in Germany, and numerous grandchildren. .

He is also survived by his Mother Margaret and her Husband, Edward M. Nebinger, as well as his siblings, William (Mary) Purdy, and Mary Anne (Eric) Elmore, and two special nieces. He is also survived by his Stepmother Julie Purdy and her son LB.

John was not just another guy in the passage of time, but a very unique and special individual whose contributions were so extensive and meaningful that they will live on. At the core of his being, John loved America and its great history to the extent that he immersed himself into it, body and soul. He became a Military Historian who focused his research with pinpoint accuracy upon separating the wheat from the chaff. But he understood that today's generation has little interest in dry historical documents, but that re-enactments create attention live and in screen shots. He played roles not only of American soldiers, but also those of many of our allies and enemies, and was sometimes joined by Janine, who played supporting roles. Because he would not tolerate inaccuracies he became a skilled designer and creator of hundreds of uniforms, stitched by hand, just as their original creators did! Further, he reasoned that great actors do not simply don a uniform and parrot a script! He needed to actually become that individual, to understand and feel the emotions of the individual soldier, as he prepared for battle.

But John was much more than a military buff. He had a great and sly sense of humor, with the ability to laugh at himself, as well as with others. He was a volunteer in many Community activities, a gun collector and Smith, an active Mason, a devoted husband and mentor to his growing children, a talented self-taught artist whose paintings of historically significant events hang in museums, and the co-author of a widely read book, in which he contributed a great many sketches.

John's character was too complex to sum up in a few words. But in the final analysis, he was a great American patriot and a warm hearted human being who was loved by all who knew him. His like will not be seen again!

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME, 318 West Broad Street Horseheads, NY on Monday May 1, 2023 from 3 to 7 PM. Mr. Purdy's Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday May 2, 2023 at 10 AM. John will be laid to rest in Rural Home Cemetery in Big Flats where Full Military Honors will be accorded. Words of Condolence and Memories may be shared at www.lynchsfuneralhome.com .

The services will be live streamed starting at 10 am May 2, 2023

https://evt.live/john-jesse-purdy