David Alvin Purdy

David A. Purdy, 60, of Attleboro, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, August 21, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on November 25, 1960, he was a son of the late Richard and Doris (Evans) Purdy. Dave graduated from North Attleboro High School and later received a degree in Business Law from Southeastern Massachusetts University in Dartmouth. During college and high school he was a performer with several rock and roll bands. He was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Soleil Communications, Incorporated, in Attleboro, a company which he founded and directed for more than 20 years. Of particular pride was his creation of the Innovative Energy Wheel Computer, designed to educated consumers in ways to conserve energy. Dave was a fabulous chef and thoroughly enjoyed sharing his culinary prowess with friends and family. His 1968 Olds 442 Cutlass convertible was his pride and joy, and he spent many happy hours devoted to its' restoration. Another passion in his life was the game of squash. He was a highly ranked competitor, referee, and insightful teacher who enjoyed sharing his talents and game strategy with adults and children. He was a member of the Squash Elite Team. Dave was a member and Secretary of the Rhode Island Police Officers Emerald Society, The Irish Famine Memorial Committee, along with his father Richard. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Attleboro Museum Center for the Arts. The greatest loves of his life were his family, friends, and home, and the lovely gardens surrounding his home. The birds and wildlife that inhabit the gardens were a constant source of pleasure. His beloved cat "Pip" was also a devoted companion and source of constant joy. They were great friends. Dave was always a gentleman and had the respect and admiration of everyone in his life. Memories of him will be cherished forever. David is survived by his wife of 28 years, Andrea Dion-Purdy, his dear siblings; Colleen Gagnon of Plainville, Dennis Purdy of Myrtle Beach, North Carolina, Priscilla Birmingham of Wrentham, Karen Smith of North Attleboro, Susan Wanamaker of Rehoboth, Dale Rosenblatt of Plainville, Mary Ellen Halog of Cranston, William Purdy of Ft. Myers, Florida, and Richard Purdy of Ft. Myers, Florida, and several nieces and nephews and friends. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Duffy-Poule Funeral Home, 20 Peck Street, Attleboro, where the Purdy family will receive friends on Thursday, August 25th from 4-8 PM. A funeral service will be conducted on Friday, August 26th at 10 AM in the Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 North Main Street, Attleboro. David will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery, Attleboro Falls. In lieu of flowers and those wishing to remember David in a special way, contributions in his memory may be made to: Friends of the Attleboro Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 592, Attleboro, MA 02703 or www.faaspets.org.