Christopher William Purtell

Christopher “Chris” Purtell never liked eggs, never tolerated Benny and the Jets, and never once wavered in being the strong rock of his family. He passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of stoic strength, wit, and unconditional love.

Born on February 27, 1955, in Los Angeles, California, he had a knack for making people laugh, sometimes with just a raised eyebrow or a perfectly timed remark, and was the kind of man you could count on to listen, advise, and steady the room. He was the confidant for his family, a man who rarely had to raise his voice because his presence spoke volumes.

Chris had a deep passion for archaeology, dedicating his life to the study of civilizations and cultures as a lithic expert. His work lives on in museums in Peru and at Vasquez Rocks, and he was always eager to share his knowledge with anyone willing to listen.

Just as strong was his love of sports. Chris didn’t just follow the usual football, baseball, and hockey, though he played ice hockey himself well into his thirties. He delighted in almost any game. It wasn’t unusual to walk in and find him watching softball or a match being broadcast in another language, completely absorbed. His curiosity and enthusiasm gave him a range far beyond the typical fan; sports of every kind fascinated him.

Outside of work and sports, Chris found joy in simple pleasures: cruising down PCH with Anna in his electric blue C5 Corvette, hunting for vinyls at swap meets, uncovering treasures in crystal (especially Waterford), and never passing up a yard sale, a Goodwill bargain, or a Facebook Marketplace deal. If there was a treasure to be found, Chris would find it.

Above all else, Chris loved his girls, his wife Anna and their daughters Erika and Stephanie. He was proud of the family they built and delighted in being “Papa” to his grandchildren: Caleb, Emilia, and Greyson Danger. They were his favorite thing in the world, and he made sure they never doubted it.

Chris is survived by his wife Anna; daughter Erika, her husband Sean, and their children Caleb and Emilia; daughter Stephanie, her husband Tyler, and their son Greyson. He is also survived by his brothers and their families: Matt and his daughters Brianne and Mariah; Vince and his children Jessica and Michael; Peter; Dave and his wife Theresa and their son Daniel; and Bill and his children Billy and Victoria. He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Liz, and his father, Bill.

The funeral mass will take place on Saturday, October 25, at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, beginning with a rosary at 10:00 a.m. and mass at 10:30 a.m., with a reception to follow. Chris will be laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach.

To honor Chris, his family asks that you drop the needle on your favorite record, chase the trip you’ve always dreamed of, and, for good measure, leave the eggs off your plate. He wouldn’t have wanted them anyway.