WEST LEBANON, NH — Herbert Ross Purinton, 85, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Genesis Lebanon Center with family by his side. He had lived at Quail Hollow for the past 2 years. Herb was born July 30, 1934 in Lewiston, ME, son of Francis and Vida (Brown) Purinton.
Herb served in the National Guard/Army from 1952-1959 as Sergeant 1st Class. He then worked as a taxicab driver, but his real career started when he began working on cars. At different times he owned 3 gas stations in the Lebanon area with his wife, Althea “Sammy” (Primeaux) Purinton, daughter of Nelson and Carolyn (Aldrich) Primeaux. Sammy was born July 27, 1935 in Bethel, VT, being the bookkeeper. For years after leaving the business due to health reasons, the family would often hear that Dad was one of the best and most honest mechanics they had ever known. Near the end of his work years Herb worked as a Custodian, then Boiler Room Technician, at Dartmouth College, where he retired.
Herb lost his beloved wife of 63 years, Sammy, March 25, 2017. They lived in North Haverhill, NH for the past 17 years, having previously lived in Acworth, NH and Corinth, VT, where the family built a log cabin in which Herb and Sam lived for many happy years with their many animals.
Herb and Sam raised their 5 children in Lebanon, NH. Herb is predeceased by his wife and his oldest son, Christopher, who passed August 26, 2019 while hiking in the White Mountains with his wife, Rachael. He is survived by his daughters, Sherry St. Germaine, and her husband, Michael, of S. Strafford, VT and Kim Purinton, and her life partner, Eugene Seiffert, of Enfield, NH; sons, Daniel Purinton, and his wife, Lisa, of FL and Jeff Purinton and his wife, Susan, of AZ; along with several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
While living in Lebanon, in the early years, Dad loved to hunt and fish. In his later years, golf was his favorite past time. Just recently Dad renewed his friendship with one of his many golf buddies, Ray Lagasse; whose kindness we greatly appreciate.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the ASPCA or your local shelter.
In keeping with Herb’s wishes, there will be no public services.
To leave a message of condolence please visit the online guest book at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.