Michael Purichia
February 12, 1932 - October 01, 2022
Obituary
Michael Angelo Purichia, 90, of Indianapolis, passed away on October 1, 2022. He was born on February 12, 1932, to Angelo and Josephine (Lombardi) Purichia. He married his childhood sweetheart and next-door neighbor, Doris Neff, on June 13, 1950, and stayed by her side for 72 years full of love and family. Mike graduated from Washington High School in 1950, where he was the first of a long line of prolific quarterbacks in the Purichia family, earning All-City honors. He worked as a railroad brakeman for Conrail for 40 years. As a young man, he served in the United States Navy Reserve. Mike was not afraid of hard work, often picking up overtime at the railroad and spending weekends on roofs to provide for his wife and five kids. He loved sports and spent countless hours watching kids and grandkids play, always with his lovely wife by his side. In retirement, Mike worked part-time at Lowe's and full-time on the golf course, also enjoying many golf trips with his brothers, nephews, and son. His family will miss his numerous funny sayings and stories of the good ole days on Harris Street. Mike is survived by his wife, Doris (Neff) Purichia; children Michael Purichia, Jr., Nula (Dan) Kelly, Rebecca (Joe) Gilbert, Teresa Stinnett, and Vincent (Karen) Purichia; brothers Carol (Donna) Purichia, Steve (Sylvia) Purichia, and sister-in-law Janet (Joe) Purichia; and 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Josephine Purichia; sisters Nula (Joe) Harmon and Catherine (Al) Dugar, brothers Bill, Nick, Spiro, and Joe; and grandchildren Adam Purichia and Jacob Kelly. A visitation will be held at Stevens Mortuary 5520 W. 10th Street Indianapolis, IN 46224 on Monday, October 10, 2022 4:00 PM until 7:30 PM with a rosary at 7:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 3354 W. 30th Street Indianapolis, IN 46222. Entombment to follow at Floral Park Cemetery.
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Memories
EC
Ed Cmehil
Other •
I was so blessed to have Pops Purichia in my childhood to adulthood. His example on how to be a man and Father will never be forgotten. Thank You Pops!!
BP
Brenda Patterson
Other •
I'm terribly sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a good man, a great father. I remember how friendly he always was. I will be keeping you all in my prayers.
BB
Beatrice Bursten
Other •
Vince and family:
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father.
MS
Mark Stinnett
Other •
That deep voice used to scare me when I was a kid ,but later in life that deep voice was calming ,like when we buried my dad died and you took me to Thatcher for 9 and some beers that same day . You used to tell me “All you can ever ask for is a thank you.” .. . Here’s is a big thank you Mr Purichia ,you were a stand up guy, I know P.A and Joe have tee times and a cooler full of beer waiting.
DD
Deb Downard
Other •
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time. May you find peace, comfort and strength from all the treasured memories of your beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and may he rest in eternal peace. With much love and our deepest sympathies,
Deb, Alex, Abby and Jax
SP
steve Purichia
Other •
Mike's obituary was spot on. He was a good husband, father, and grandfather. I remember Mike as a quiet, reserved brother who was a good second son. Especially, as our parents grew older and needed assistance.
He was a quality athlete and an exceptional golfer who seemed to be a natural compared to the rest of us. Not sure that he had 2 clubs in his bag that were from the same manufacturer. He used to say, "it's not the club boys, it's the person swinging the club." How true!
Mike loved to talk about his pre-teen and teenage years growing up at 515 S. Harris Ave. My daughter Susan, Mike, and I used to laugh until we cried as he talked about things he, older brother Spiro, and his best friend, Russell Posey, did as kids. I think he enjoyed those stories more each time he told them. I regret not taping those important memories.
RIP! You'll be missed. Your brother Steve