NATICK: Vincent J. “Jimmy” Purpura, age 90, a founding partner and longtime President of Federal Glass, died peacefully at his Natick home early on Tuesday morning, August 28, 2012. He was the devoted husband of sixty six years of Julia Ann (DeSimone) Purpura.
Born on May 2, 1922, he was a son of the late Mariano and Antonina (DiBlasi) Purpura. Jimmy was raised in the West End of Boston and graduated from Boston Commerce High School in 1938. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps serving as an aviation Staff Sergeant during the Second World War. Campaign engagements included the Northern Solomon Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, and Philippine Islands.
Jimmy cofounded Federal Glass in Waltham, MA, with his business partner, Max Newhouse. In 1950 they moved the business to Rte 9 in Framingham. Federal Glass & Mirror remains owned and operated by the Purpura family today. An enthusiastic gardener, Jimmy particularly doted on his prized fig trees and orchids. He and his wife, Julia, enjoyed spending time with their family at the summer home on Cape Cod and later wintering in Marco Island, Florida. Jimmy was happiest spending time with members of his large family.
He is survived by his beloved Julia; six children, Vincent J. Purpura, Jr. and his wife Jane, Steven M. Purpura and his wife Maria, and Michael Purpura and his wife Nancy, all of Framingham, Marianne Rork and her husband Dennis of Londonderry, NH, John D. Purpura and his wife Alesa of Southborough, and Francene Purpura of Framingham; 18 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Jimmy was preceded in death by his four siblings: Mary Roberts, Joseph Purpura, Salvatore Purpura, and Josephine Frongillo.
His funeral will be from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, Natick, on Friday, Aug. 31st at 9:00a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Patrick’s Church, 44 East Central Street, Natick, at 10:00a.m. Burial will follow at Edgell Grove Cemetery, Framingham.
Visiting hours will be Thursday, 4 – 8p.m.
Donations may be made in Mr. Purpura’s memory to the Xaverian Missionaries, 12 Helene Court, Wayne, NJ 07470.