Joseph Angelo Purichia

Joe Purichia 1943-2019 On September 6, 2019 Joe's work was done and his rest was won. Joe was the sixth son of Angelo and Josephine Purichia, who preceded him in death, and the eighth child in a family of nine siblings. Joe graduated from George Washington High School in 1962. He went on to attend Butler University where he received a B.S., later returning to obtain an M.S. While attending Butler as an undergraduate, Joe was a dual-sport athlete playing both football as the Butler quarterback, and basketball. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, and a member of "Butler B-Men". After college Joe began teaching and coaching at Scecina Memorial High School. Seven years later he joined Brownsburg High School as a biology teacher, a coach and later a counselor. Joe had a love for helping others, which is why he pursued his counseling degree, and obtained his counseling degree from Indiana University. In 1976 Joe accepted a position as head football coach and guidance counselor at Vincennes Lincoln High School; a position that would allow him to merge his love of football, and his long held desire to help others. He would eventually leave Vincennes and complete his career at Washington High School in Washington, Indiana. There he served as Director of Guidance. Joe was active in his community, and the larger football community. He was a past president of the Indiana High School Football Coaches Association. In his local community he was a member, and past Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Elks. For many years he was an advisor to the high school Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Joe was a member of the Roberts Park United Methodist Church. In his retirement he often volunteered for, and enjoyed events at the church, and frequently served as usher at Sunday services. Relationships with people brought Joe great joy in life. He enjoyed meeting new people and spending time with students, friends and family. He loved playing golf, listening to 50's music, fishing, camping, backyard "farming" and going to the theater. Joe is preceded in death by his brothers, Bill, Nick and Spiro, and his sister Nula. He is survived by his wife Janet nee'( Mitchell); son, Jeffery Purichia (Terri) of New Albany, IN.; daughter, Heather Purichia Malin (Greg) of Camp Hill, PA.; four granddaughters, Maggie, Anna and Grace Purichia and Lily Malin; brothers Michael, Carol and Steve, and one sister, Catherine. Visitation will take place at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory-Greenwood Chapel, 481 W. Main St., Greenwood, IN. 46142 on Sunday, September 15 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held Monday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Roberts Park United Methodist Church, 401 N. Delaware St. Indianapolis, IN. 46204. Joe will be laid to rest at Washington Park North Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Butler University Athletic Fund or Roberts Park United Methodist Church