Samuel D. Purses

Samuel D. Purses obituary, Canton, OH

Samuel D. Purses

Upcoming Events

Nov

6

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Faith United Methodist Church

300 9th St. NW, North Canton, OH 44720

Send Flowers

Nov

7

Service

4:00 p.m.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish at St. Anthony Church

1530 11th St. S.E., Canton, OH 44707

Send Flowers

Only 4 days left for delivery to next service.

Samuel Purses Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Rossi Family Funeral Home, Inc. on Oct. 31, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Samuel D. Purses, age 83, of Canton, was transformed in death to a new life in union with the Cosmic Christ on October 28, 2025 after an extended illness. Sam was born on October 5, 1942 to the late Sam and Clara (Vitale) Purses. Besides his parents, Sam was preceded in death by his son Jonathan and sister Pam.
He is survived by his loving wife and caregiver, Teresa, his children, Jeanna (Ken), Sam, and Jim (Alexis) Purses; her children: Tor, Rich (Nikki) Garman and Jen Picha; his siblings, Lee (Jeff) Orin, Debbie (Pete) Ferguson, Vickie (Steve) Ashbaugh, Rick (Pam) Purses; brothers and sister-in-law Dan Hughes, Susie (Bob) Shroyer, and Reed (Sue) McConnell; as well as eight cherished grandchildren, August, Clara, Akira, Annabella, Jack, Reece, Josh, and Ryan; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.
Sam graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1960 and later spent three years in monastic study at La Salle University in Philadelphia and Ammendale Normal Institute in Maryland. He earned his bachelor's degree in history at Walsh University, a Master of Public Administration degree, and pursued doctoral studies at the University of Akron.
A lifelong learner and servant leader, Sam's vocation centered on education, public service, and faith. He began his career teaching at Walker Junior High in Canton Local Schools in 1964. The social upheaval of the 1960s awakened in him a deep commitment to justice and community leadership, leading him to pursue a path in government. Over the years, he served in numerous public leadership roles across several cities, culminating in his election as Mayor of Canton (1984–1992).
After his time in public office, Sam returned to his first love - education - teaching in middle and high schools, as well as at several universities. He also volunteered with the Greater Stark County Urban League, helping individuals earn their GEDs.
Rooted in his Italian heritage, faith, and family, Sam found joy in celebrating the achievements of his children, grandchildren, students, and colleagues. He attributed his deep devotion and moral grounding to his parents and grandparents, whose faith and love shaped his life's purpose.
Sam lived his faith actively - serving as a prayer and meditation leader, choir member, liturgist, Stephen Minister, CCD teacher, and volunteer at the Faith Kitchen Food Pantry. He found spiritual nourishment and fellowship at the Center for Action and Contemplation, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Faith United, and Crystal Park United Methodist Churches.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Faith United and Crystal Park church families, Stephen Ministers, Advantage Hospice, and Compassion Delivered for their care, prayers, meals, and steadfast support during Sam's final years.
Friends may call on Thursday, November 6, from 5-8 pm at Faith United Methodist Church, 300 Ninth St. N.W. North Canton. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 7, at 4:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Parish at St. Anthony's Church, 1530 33th St. S.E. Canton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made for a scholarship in his memory to CS Alumni & Friends Foundation c/o Canton Local Schools, the Community Assistance Fund at Faith United Methodist Church, or Compassion Delivered.
ROSSI (330) 492-5830
www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Samuel D. Purses, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Samuel Purses's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Yesterday

Jerry Drescher &Nancy Snodgrass posted to the memorial.

October 31, 2025

Rossi Family Funeral Home, Inc. announced events.

October 31, 2025

Rossi Family Funeral Home, Inc. posted an obituary.

1 Entry

Jerry Drescher &Nancy Snodgrass

Yesterday

IT WAS AN HONOR TO KNOW SAM AND TO BE HIS FRIEND,HE WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED AND REMEMBERD. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND JERRY&NANCY

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Rossi Family Funeral Home, Inc.

730 30th Street NW, Canton, OH 44709

Make a Donation
in Samuel Purses's name

How to support Samuel's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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
Ways to honor Samuel Purses's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Upcoming Events

Nov

6

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Faith United Methodist Church

300 9th St. NW, North Canton, OH 44720

Send Flowers

Nov

7

Service

4:00 p.m.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish at St. Anthony Church

1530 11th St. S.E., Canton, OH 44707

Send Flowers

Only 4 days left for delivery to next service.