William Purdy Fairfax, Vermont Obituary

William Purdy

William C. Purdy Colchester William C. Purdy, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 8, 2012 after a long illness with his family by his side. He was born August 21, 1927 in Newburgh, NY, the son of the late Lester and Elsie Purdy. Bill joined the Navy at 18, and served during WWII. He completed his undergraduate degrees at Purdue University and earned his PhD from Cornell University. He was employed by General Electric for more than 30 years. In the early 1960s, he was involved in the development of the first computer-generated flight simulator for the U.S. military and was part of a collaborative effort with NASA to develop the flight simulator for the Apollo lunar module. He later worked on development of the U.S. Defense Radar System. In the latter part of his career, he left GE to become a professor in the School of Computer Science at Syracuse University until his retirement. He published many academic articles and was considered an authority in computer logic. Bill was an active individual and enjoyed running, bicycling, and hiking with his dog. He lived most of his life in Liverpool, NY and moved to Vermont to be with his children and to assist in his medical care. He is survived by his wife, Jean Purdy, his children Linda Ludovico and husband Rick of Liverpool, NY, William D. Purdy of Burlington VT, Susan Purdy of Liverpool, NY, Kathleen Purdy and her husband Michael Wenner of Richmond, VT, Timothy Purdy of Palo Alto, CA, and grandchildren Valorie and Josiah Ludovico, Austin and Alexis Purdy, Corey and Duane Goodison, and Ashley Arnold. He is also predeceased by his daughter Deborah Ann Purdy, who passed away in 2001. Visiting hours will be on Friday, December 14, 2012 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel, 57 Main St. Essex Junction, VT. A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at the Elley-Long Music Center, 223 Ethan Allen Dr., Colchester, VT at 12:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. Inurnment with committal services in the family lot in Phoenix Rural Cemetery, Syracuse, NY will take place in the Spring at a time and date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bill’s memory to the Humane Society of Chittenden County, 142 Kindness Rd., So. Burlington, VT 05403. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting www.awrichfuneralhomes.com
August 21, 1927 - December 8, 201208/21/192712/08/2012
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