Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
FUNERAL HOME
NATHAN PURPEL Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for NATHAN PURPEL
32 Entries
Sandy lewis
September 12, 2024
Still after 10 years, he was the best principal ever. A privilege to work for him.
Sandy
September 13, 2023
All these long years of past, and he still probably the best principal I ever worked for
Daniel Taylor
September 12, 2023
RIP Mr. Purpel, i always remember him taking a few of us boys into his office on the day before opening day (red sox) and telling us i know you boys are going to be sick tomorrow i asked your teachers to give you extra home work to keep you up, and i know i will see you the day after ! and oh by the way....enjoy the game, we had a great relationship with Mr. Purpel, he will be missed.
Sandra LEWIS
September 12, 2022
Still these many years later, I still say he was the best principal I ever worked under. Amazing leader.
Marion Bilich
December 19, 2020
I was a French teacher briefly in his school in the early 70's. I went on to study get a degree in psychology and have been very happy practicing as a clinical psychologist and writer for over 30 years. When asked about how I chose my career, I tell people about the influence Nate Purpel had on my life. It was because of him and his encouragement that I made the choice I did. He has never been forgotten. He was a warm, caring individual and the students (and teachers) at the Lawrence School were lucky to have him.
Sandra lewis
September 14, 2020
It was the best principal ever. Never said anything he didn’t mean. Straight shooters from the get-go. Missed by all.
Jeff King
September 12, 2020
Every once in a while the world is blessed with a really good guy like Principal Purpel. Lawrence elementary, a special place in the hearts of so many, Circle Soccer and more, and his leadership, caring, and subtle spunk, was right on. Remembering the good old days there with him and all the rest of the gang. Rest in Peace Principal Purpel!
Anna Cotton
May 5, 2016
I was a student at Lawrence School. Mr Purpel was my principal until 7th grade when he retired. I am a high school teacher and have taught middle school and elementary school as well. I remember him so fondly and his good news pins. I think of him ever time I read "Pierre" by Maurice Sendak to my 5 year old. I hope I can make kids feel a shred as cared for and appreciated as he always did for me. My condolences to his family your father and grandfather was amazing.
Diane Genco
February 5, 2015
I directed the afterschool program at the Lawrence School for many years
Nate was a mentor to me ,
He never lost sight of the prize - a better world for kids and families.
The world is a better one because of him
kathleen finn
October 5, 2014
I was a student at Lawrence school. I remember him as a lovely individual. I can actually remember a few conversations that I had with him; he was empowered with magical leadership skills, and this is why so many people remember him years later.
October 5, 2014
A man to be cherished, in his life and legacy. Think of all those he touched, and who touched him. And what we witnessed and built together over the decades. May we carry hope and passion in his honor for eternity. With enduring fondness and love. Lawrence '82
Dan Taylor
October 2, 2014
I was @ Lawrence school in the 60-70's, he was a great principal and person, he will be missed.
Julie Moran
October 2, 2014
I attended Lawrence School in the 1970's and will never forget Mr. Purpel and his kindness. He was all for the kids and we were very lucky to attend Lawrence School because he made it such a special place. Condolences to the family.
Sara Lillis
October 2, 2014
Mr. Purpel was a quiet, kind and warm man. When I think of my time at Lawrence, I remember the smell of his pipe, his warm smile and his calm demeanor. He contributed to the lives of so many people. My condolences to the family.
Vicki (French) Sanches
September 27, 2014
I remember the time my friend and I got caught playing hide and seek in the girls' locker room--we got sent to the principal--Nathan Purpel. He did not like to punish kids--he made us wait in the outer office just long enough to be very sorry, and then asked us, "are you going to get in trouble like that again?" and gave us each a lollipop. That was the only time I got in trouble in grammar school! Loved the lesson we learned by reflecting on our behavior that day. Many fond memories of a great leader of children. Blessings to the family
Sandra Lewis
September 21, 2014
I worked for Mr. Purpel at the Lawrence school He believed in me, gave me my job and it was a pure pleasure to work for him. He was straightforward, brilliant, and an amazing educator. He is one of the two best principals that I have ever worked for in my whole carreer. I have worked for many principals, and I can say that was great confidence. He wll be sorely missed.my sincere condolences to his family..
Nancy Gore
September 21, 2014
I will always remember my wise Uncle Nate.
Franny French
September 21, 2014
Back in the 1970s, Nathan Purpel was my principal at Lawrence School. What a special man--one of the kindest people I've ever known. If I lived in Massachusetts still, or anywhere near there, I'd drop everything to attend his funeral. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Adrienne Schure
September 20, 2014
I have the fondest memories of Nate Purpel as my principal at the Lawrence School. He offered sage advice to me and my students and nothing but kindness for all. My condolences to his family.
A Myles
September 19, 2014
Very sorry for the family's loss. I attended Lawrence School during the late 80's. Mr Purpel was always that principal that you would never forget, always nice and respected. . May he rest in peace. .
Rachel Purpel
September 19, 2014
I'm touched to read the many fond remembrances of Uncle Nate from his former students. I too remember his pipe and his kind words. I will miss him. Condolences to all who grieve his passing. Wishes of strength to Amy and Michael.
Paul Dinerstein
September 19, 2014
Our Uncle Nate was a rock for his family, friends and for those he touched in his professional life. His common sense and good humor.....that sparkle in his eyes....charmed us all. My family's hearts are with Aunt Ruth, Amy and Michael at this sad moment. Uncle Nate...we'll always remember you fondly. Love, Ellen, Carol, Pete, Paul and Claire Dinerstein.
September 19, 2014
Mr. Purpel was the principal of the Lawrence School when I was the PTO president there for 7 years. His devotion to the children was truly extraordinary. They felt safe and loved; and they knew that Mr. Purpel was always there for them. My daughter just called me to tell me of his death, and all her former classmates are sharing stories about him. And they are now 30 years old. That is an amazing legacy. He made the world a better place. Laura Walters
Darlene Farrell
September 19, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Mr.Purpel was an amazing man and a truly wonderful principal. Being raised by a single mom in the 60's and 70's MR. Purpel showed me that men could be caring, responsible and reliable. The children of Brookline were blessed to have known him.
September 19, 2014
I am so sorry to the family of MR.PURPEL.I was a student from 65-74 at Lawrence school in brookline.He was such a great person,even drove me home when I was sick in the 7th grade,many years ago.i never forgot him and the wonderful teachers he had.may he r.i.p
christine Redler Mahony
September 19, 2014
I was a student at Lawrence school in the 1970s. I still remember his pipe and his smile he was a great principal and a great man. My condolences to his family so sorry to hear
Michele(Blondiet) Baker
September 19, 2014
I have such fond memories of a great man. I attended the Lawerence school in the late 70's and early 80's. We all remember his pipe and the smell it left as he went by the hallways. I don't think he was ever a rude man,he was always with kind words. My he rest comfortably and his family find comfort knowing he was the inspiration for many.
Martha Conroy-Powell
September 19, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. I attended the Lawrence School in Brookline while Mr. Purpel was there. He was a wonderful administrator and nice man. My condolences to the family. He is fondly remembered by many alum of the Lawrence School.
Kathy Adams Silianoff
September 19, 2014
I was a student at Lawrence School in the 1970s. I still remember how he said "I'm a principal and I'm your 'pal'" as a way to get us to remember how to spell principal. I still say it to myself when I spell principal!
I send my deepest sympathies to his family.
Jen Deaderick
September 19, 2014
Oh, he was so lovely. The smell of his pipe smoke as he wandered past our classrooms was so cozy, reassuring. Calming and kind. Imprinted on me always. Sorry he is gone.
Lacy Berman
September 19, 2014
I was a student at Lawrence school in the 1980's. He was the picture of serene patience, I recall. I can still smell his pipe tobacco and recall the sound of his voice, all these many years later. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in NATHAN PURPEL's name
Memorial Events
for NATHAN PURPEL
Sep
22
Calling hours
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Temple Beth Shalom,
21 East Foster St,, Melrose, MA
Sep
22
How to support NATHAN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor NATHAN PURPEL's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more