Randy Wayne Purpura

Randy Wayne Purpura

April 11th, 1959 - July 10th, 2023

A Life Well-Lived...

The world lost a good friend, brother, and father on July 10th, 2023. Randy passed away from Squamous Cell Carcinoma at UCSF, San Francisco.

Randy was born on April 11th, 1959 in Castro Valley, California to Andrew J. and Ruth (Russell) Purpura. He was raised in the East Bay Area where he lived most of his life. He graduated from Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, CA in 1977 and attended San Jose State University.

Randy's first career was as a Firefighter with CDF (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) and Fairview Fire Protection District Hayward Hills. He then became a Paramedic in Alameda County and was in the first ever graduating Paramedic class of Alameda County, pilot program Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA. Randy enjoyed the thrill of Rescue and Fire. He also delivered a baby during his Paramedic career. He jumped at the opportunity to volunteer during the Oakland Hills Fires in 1991.

Randy held his Real Estate license 1989-2017 where he had a successful career in New Home Sales working for many builders over the years. He enjoyed real estate investments and the stock market where he spent time Day Trading. Randy met his first wife, Kelli Hall, through real estate new home sales in 1991. They were married 1994-2004.

Randy was very sociable and outgoing. A positive attitude was important to him. He had a large circle of friends he made over his lifetime. He was known as "Goose", "Purp" and "Purpee Dog" to some friends. He had good times, made good memories and good friends all over the world. Randy was a world traveler with trips to Central America, Thailand, and all over Europe, including most frequently, Sweden. His favorite place was Sicily, Italy. He was very proud of his Sicilian heritage. Randy loved the outdoors, sightseeing, exploring the world and adventures. He loved riding motorcycles and cycling. He had a passion for his prized 1977 Chevrolet Corvette with license plate "PURP 5" (as the 5th Purpura son). Randy's father "the old man" bought the Corvette for him and is where Randy grew a love for finer things in life. He enjoyed fine food and drinks, and a nice cigar with friends. Randy enjoyed fitness and healthy eating. He enjoyed listening to good music, attending concerts and comedy shows.

Randy was competitive and loved the game of backgammon. He also loved golf and took a year off work in the mid-90's to practice for the PGA Pro qualifying. Randy was a dog lover and involved with animal rescue. He adored his two dogs, Cabo and Connor, his "boys" as he called them. His love for animals came from his Mom who loved all God's creatures.

Randy moved to Las Vegas in 2010 where he lived for many years before moving back to the Bay Area in 2022. He also lived in Sweden in 2016 with his second wife, Cecilia Johansson (m 2009-2018). They had a daughter, Aria Purpura in December 2016. Randy was a very proud Daddy and loved his little girl.

Randy is survived by his only child, Aria Purpura, and five brothers, Andy (Clare) Purpura, Rick Purpura, Ronald Purpura, Darren Purpura, and Larry Winchell. He joins his parents, grandparents, and brother Gary in Heaven.

Randy believed in living life to the fullest. And that he did. Until we meet again...