Raymond A. (Ray) Purinton

CHARLEMONT- Raymond Alvin Purinton, 89, died on September 1, 2024, at RegalCare of Greenfield, MA with the love of his sons and his family focused on him.

Born on January 19, 1935, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, he was a lifelong resident of Charlemont. Raymond was the son of Harry and Thelma (Flagg) Purinton.  Educated in Charlemont schools and graduating in 1953. He went on to graduate from Northampton Junior College with a degree in Business Administration and Accounting in 1955. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1957. He was united in marriage at the Charlemont Federated Church on July 22, 1956, to his high school sweetheart, Esther White. They moved together to Georgia while he completed his service. Afterwards, they returned to Charlemont to build a home in which to raise their three sons. He worked alongside his father at the family Mobil station, pumping gas, greeting customers and providing vehicle service.

Following his work at the Mobil station, Raymond worked for Vermont Yankee in Vernon VT for many years as Purchasing Supervisor.  During this time, he and Esther raised their 3 sons on their beloved hill just above the town. There they explored varied family hobbies together, raising their sons to value working hard, community involvement, and actively helping others. Raymond was a member and past chief of the Charlemont Fire Department and was integral in the start-up of the first Charlemont Ambulance service.  He helped to reignite the Boy Scout troop of Charlemont and was active in every facet of Troop 86.  He also participated as a selectman, finance committee member and a Yankee Doodle Day organizer for Charlemont.  Early on, he was active as a Kiwanis member and later, volunteered for the Food Pantry. Raymond helped to organize the Mohawk Trail Concerts series held at the Charlemont Federated Church in the summertime.

During their retirement years they continued to travel with their cherished friends and enjoyed time with their family. He was a member of the Charlemont Federated Church. He spent his time visiting the sick and shut-in of the community.  Raymond loved God and kept a mental prayer list for many people over the years.  His passions were his wife and family, sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Grandpa was known for his “on demand” perfect smile.

Survivors include his three sons, Douglas (Julie) of Norway, NY, Scott (Ellen) of Hawley and Barry (Marie) of Charlemont; 7 grandchildren, Jordan (Katelynn) of Norway, NY, William (Aui) of Portland, OR, Kiersten Gregory (Cody) of Abilene, TX,  Nicole of Greenfield, Evan (Stephanie) of Northville, MI, Nathan (Sonja) of Norway, NY and Justin (Tess) of Greenfield; and 11 great-grandchildren. Raymond outlived many of his longtime friends and felt their loss deeply. He was predeceased by his wife, both his parents and his in-laws. 

Arrangements have been made through Smith-Kelleher Funeral home. There will be no public funeral nor calling hours as per Raymond’s wishes. A private service was held by the family.

Please consider sending memorial contributions to the Charlemont Fireman’s Association, 5 Factory Rd, Charlemont, MA 01339 in Raymond’s name.

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