John D. Purdy V, 60, formerly of Clarendon Hills, passed away June 24, 2023, after a brief illness.
Born in New Haven, Conn., John grew up in Clarendon Hills and graduated from Hinsdale High School. He lived his winters in the Chicago area and summers in Lakeside, Mich.
He loved games of all kinds, from sports to cards to board games. Golf was a particular favorite, and John spent many hours on the green as a player and as a caddy. After a big family meal, he could be counted on to rally the troops for a game of Hearts or Risk.
A green thumb, he grew many herbs, vegetables and flowers in boxes on the balcony of his apartment, often while listening to a good ball game on the radio.
He often created his own signature dishes from his harvest, which truth be told, the family was reticent to sample.
John always remembered family birthdays, and would acknowledge them with a card and a handmade gift. More a texter than a caller, he often sent texts with abbreviated words that left the receiver scratching their head.
The light of his life were his two sons, John VI and Christopher, their children, and the happy news that two more grandchildren are scheduled to debut in 2023.
John is survived by his sons, John (Kara) Purdy and Christopher (Andrea) Purdy; his grandsons, Jack and Silas; his granddaughter, Joan; his father, John (Anne); his sister, Jennifer (John Sheehan); his brothers, Matt (Maria) and David; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Susan, in 2016.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at the Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 S. Garfield Ave.
His family will gather for a private service to scatter his ashes at his beloved Lakeside.
