On the 21st of September, Leon Purington passed away, or as he would say, went to the Great Beyond. He leaves behind many people he met over his hundred years of life who were touched by his kindness and inspired by the way he lived his life. His family is very thankful for all the special times they enjoyed with him.
Leon was born on July 27, 1926, to Percy Purington and Delphine (Saunders) Purington. Raised in Rowley, MA as the third of six children, he had many fond memories and stories of his childhood that he shared over the years.
Leon believed in working hard and had an excellent work ethic. He started working at age 11 and did not stop until he was 98. In his teens, he went to a trade school and took up carpentry. As an adult, he pursued a career in the automobile industry. He was the General Manager of Price’s Car Dealership for many years involving American Motors Vehicles. As General Manager he was responsible for the Ipswich school’s transportation and was also a bus driver where he drove generations of schoolchildren.
After he retired from the automobile industry in his late fifties, he put his carpentry skills to work, doing many home improvement jobs in the North Shore area. In the late eighties, he worked on Dan Prawdziks home in Andover. Meeting Dan led him to his second career at Resin Systems in Amherst NH, where he spent close to 40 years taking care of the grounds, building boxes for shipments and various other projects. He drove there five days a week, over an hour each way, rain, snow or sleet. On his 90th birthday, Resin Systems presented him with a brand-new truck with 4wheel drive as they were concerned for his safety. They knew he wouldn’t stay home on a snowy day. He enjoyed the work and social life of Resin Systems. He truly thought of them as family. When he stopped working at age 98, Resins Systems employees continued to stay in contact with him which made him very happy.
Aside from work, he was deeply involved in Public Service. He started in Public Service with the Ipswich Kiwanis Club where he served as the first President. He was also an Ipswich Rotary member where he served as President as well. He served as a member of the Ipswich School Board. The majority of his Public Service was served in Hamilton, MA where he lived for the last sixty years of his life. He was a three-term Hamilton Selectman. He was also a member of the Hamilton-Wenham Rotary Club and served as President and received the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He was their top salesman for calendars every year to raise money for charities. He was on the Hamilton Housing Authority from 1994 until a week after his 100th birthday in August 2026, when he called and resigned from the board. After accepting his resignation, he was told, “Thank you, you’ve done enough!” He also served as President and Treasurer of the Essex County Selectman’s Association. He was always active in his community; on boards and activities too numerous to mention. Although he was very busy with work and Public Service, he also enjoyed his family life.
He and his late wife, Rita (Culity) Purington shared many outings and family events. They traveled outside of the country many times. Their favorites being Ireland and England.
In whatever activity, whether work, Public Service, family or friends, he never wanted to let anyone down. That is truly who he was.
When Leon turned 100, there were many parties to celebrate him. Neighbors, family and friends gathered in his backyard. Even the workers of his favorite Dunkin Donuts in Rowley had a celebration for him. He was especially touched by the party at the Wenham Senior Center sponsored by the Hamilton-Weham Rotary Club. He was recognized and celebrated for his many years of service. People came from several towns to celebrate with him. He was recognized by State and Town Officials and received many citations for all his achievements. He was very honored and proud. It was a wonderful day for him.
In his sixty years of living in Hamilton, he always helped a neighbor in need. His family is thankful that his neighbors were also there for him in his times of need.
In his later years, he enjoyed visits with family and friends, especially watching them in his yard and pool. He liked puzzles, playing card games, Saturday morning breakfasts with family and friends, and going on daily long rides to different towns. He had a special place in his heart for his grand-dogs, Maverick and Gus. He was always willing to try new things, quick witted, and always smiling. He would say, “You need to keep busy and be kind.” He was a loving, kind and generous person to family, friends, community and his Resin Systems family.
He is survived by his children Kenneth Purington and Pamela (Purington) Gledhill both of Ipswich, William and Elizabeth Burridge of Hamilton, Robert and Carla Burridge of Sandwich, Lois Honegger of Amesbury, Peter Burridge of Missoula Montana, and Margaret Burridge of Danielson Connecticut. Grandchildren Ryan Purington, Kendra Purington, Crystal (McKinney) McIntosh, Jacob McKinney and Jason McKinney, William Burridge Jr., Benjamin Burridge, Alyson Lull, Michael Burridge, David Burridge, Heidi Butler, Mark Burridge and Olivia Honeger, many great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Along with his wife Rita, he was predeceased by his sisters, Wyota (Peggy) Heikkinen and Amy Cain, brothers Percy Purington, Earl Purington and Harvey Purington. He was also predeceased by his grandson Daniel McKinney.
Graveside Service was held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Town of Hamilton Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to Beth Israel Lahey Health at Home or Hamilton/Wenham Rotary: P. O. Box 2771 South Hamilton, MA 01982.
To light a memorial candle or to leave a message of condolence,
please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com.
~ Arrangements entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home ~
