Alfred C. Purello

Newtonville-Alfred C. Purello, 86, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 6, 2014. He was born March 25, 1928 to the late Natalina and Carlo Purello in Albany, NY. Alfred attended Albany High School where he received nine letters in three sports, football, basketball and baseball, and was chosen to the All City Team in all three sports. He enjoyed the saxophone and played the flute in the Albany Symphony Orchestra as a youth. Prior to entering West Virginia University, he was pursued by several professional baseball clubs, including the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox in the American League, and the Pittsburgh Pirates and Brooklyn Dodgers in the National League. Mr. Purello was heavily recruited at the collegiate level. Besides WVU, he was approached by Rutgers, Syracuse, Michigan State, and San Francisco University. He was considered by his peers to be one of the best athletes to ever play at WVU. He entered WVU in September of 1948 on a full athletic scholarship, played quarterback for WVU and earned letters in football, baseball and basketball. He was inducted into the West Virginia University Athletic Hall of Fame in October of 2012. After graduation he served his Country as an officer in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany where he met his future wife, Christa. In 1957 he left the Air Force as a Captain to attend Albany Law School. Mr. Purello enjoyed a highly successful law career for almost forty years. Alfred’s greatest love was for his family and friends. He was an avid golfer and continued his love of sports throughout his life playing tennis, basketball and skiing well into his sixties. Alfred will be remembered by all who knew him for his sense of humor, and for his incredible optimism at all times. He was more generous than any man should be, quick to sacrifice for his family and friends. During his career in law he provided pro bono work for those in need. He was a voracious reader and loved to travel. He was predeceased by his beloved older brother, Salvatore Purello and nephew, Michael Purello. He is survived by his loving wife, Christa, son Kurtis Purello (Connie), daughter Karin Wren (David) and his grandchildren Chloe, Kylie and Jack. He is also survived by his older brother, Joseph Purello and sister-in-law Dorothy, and many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services Friday, April 11, 2014 at 10:15 am from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to Our Lady of Victory Church, Troy at 11:00 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment is scheduled for 2:00 pm at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Thursday, April 10, 2014 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the funeral home. To leave the family a message on their guest book, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Alfred C. Purello

March 15, 1928 - April 6, 2014