Dr. Giuseppe Purrazzella of Southampton died on September 3 at home, under the care of East End Hospice and surrounded by family and friends. He was 93.
Born in Giuliana, province of Palermo, Italy, in 1922, one of five children, he trained as a pediatrician at the University of Palermo. He met and married Josephine D’Aiuto, his wife of 62 years, in 1953, and joined her in the United States. They lived in Springfield Gardens as he underwent his U.S. medical training, then opened a private pediatric practice in Valley Stream, where they lived for 26 years and raised their family.
They retired in 1985, built their home in Southampton, and divided their time between Southampton and Fort Pierce, Florida, where he continued his passions of gardening, fishing and playing bridge. They traveled extensively and loved family first and foremost, survivors said.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Rose Mary and husband Marc, Linda, Michael and wife Louise and Joseph; and four grandchildren, Michael, Julia, Alessandro and Dante.
A funeral Mass took place at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary on September 5; Father Mike Vetrano officiated.
Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice, Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.
on Sep 14, 2015