Thomas "Tom" J. Purce

Tommy Joseph Purce died Sunday, December 15, 2024 at his home in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  Born on April 25, 1952 in Oswego, NY, Tom was the son of the late Charles K. Purce and the late Nancy T. Struallo. He grew up in Hornell, NY where he graduated from Hornell Sr. High School with the close-knit class of 1970. While in high school he participated in numerous sports.

He earned a BA (History) and MA (Counseling) from Alfred University. While at Alfred he picked up a lacrosse stick for the first time and somehow made the team. As an undergraduate he served as President of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. Later he went on to earn a Doctor of Education (EdD) from Widener University.

After graduation Tom began his career in Higher Education at Alfred University (Admissions) and Alfred State College (Residence Life) before moving to Susanville, CA where he worked at Lassen Community College. 

Curious about life outside of academe Tom worked in the logging industry in the Diamond Mountains near Susanville. In an effort to be closer to family after becoming a father he cut his adventure short accepting a position at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. After five years at Adelphi Tom settled in West Chester, PA where he worked in Student Affairs at West Chester University (WCU) for 30 years before retiring in 2016. Throughout his tenure he was a member of numerous higher education organizations and served as advisor to many student organizations.

After retirement Tom treasured time spent in the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario. He was a lifelong follower of sports, especially women’s teams and the New York Mets.

Tom is survived by his wife of 48 years Mame Knapp Purce; cherished daughter Lindsay Purce Brinkmann (Matthew), of Wayne, PA and their children Mason Thomas and Cole Matthew; brothers Don (Doreen), Cutler Ridge, FL, David (Gloria), Prescott, AZ, Chuck (Mary Beth), Binghamton, NY, Ken (Pam), Forest Hill, MD; sister Carole (Gary Luckenbach), Avoca, NY; brothers-in-law Bill, Frank and Kevin Knapp; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his brother Dan (Joanne). 

Tom will be remembered as a gentle man with unwavering grit and an amazing sense of humor. His family would like to express heartfelt thanks to all West Chester neighbors, friends and WCU colleagues who supported him throughout unrelenting health challenges.

Contributions in honor of Tom’s inspirational legacy of quiet strength can be made to:

West Chester Public Library (www.wcpubliclibrary.org) 415 N. Church St. West Chester, PA

Home of the Sparrow (www.homeofthesparrow.org) 969 Swedesford Rd, Exton, PA 19341

Carter Center (www.cartercenter.org) 4543 John Lewis Freedom Parkway Atlanta, GA 30307

At Tom's request no service is planned.

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