LACONIA ---- William Reid Purslow, 72, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, November 18, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
Bill was born on November 4, 1951 in Quincy Massachusetts to Richard and Jean Purslow, the second of five children. He attended Winnacunnet High School where he enjoyed playing football. Upon graduation, Bill attended Plymouth State College and was a member of Lambda Chi Fraternity. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Marketing in 1973. During his time at Plymouth State, he met the love of his life, Kathy, and they married on May 26, 1973.
Bill started his lifelong career at International Packings Company / Freudenberg NOK in Bristol, NH where he was hired as an Inside Sales Correspondent. He was later transferred to Dayton, Ohio in the role of Sales Engineer. Bill and Kathy started their family in 1976 with the birth of their daughter, Adrienne, and later, Laura, in 1979.
During that time, Bill received his Masters of Business Administration Degree from the University of Dayton. They moved to Greenfield, Indiana where Bill was named Plant Manager of the Indiana facilities. Their family was completed in Indiana with the birth of their third daughter, Elizabeth, in 1982. Bill was transferred back to New Hampshire where he continued to be promoted within the company and rose to the position of Chief Operations Officer. Bill and Kathy raised their three girls in Laconia where they enjoyed boating and shared the love of lake life.
Bill was known throughout his personal life and career for his kindness and work ethic. Upon retirement, Bill volunteered at Lakes Region General Hospital and SCORE. He served as a Board Member of the Health First Family Care Center.
More than anything, Bill was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather (Gaga). Bill loved being with his family and supporting them in all of their activities. He was always there to listen and then offer wisdom, advice, guidance, and encouragement. He told many stories about his childhood and career, bringing humor to the life lessons that he shared. Bill was an avid reader and loved history. Many family trips and vacations included stops at museums and monuments.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen of 50 years, his children Adrienne Shoemaker and her husband Joe, Laura Purslow, Elizabeth Sack and her husband Will, and his beloved grandchildren Will, Kate, Jack, Bella, Nate, Dave, Joe, Jon, Mike and Caroline. He will be deeply missed by his family, and his memory will remain cherished by all who knew him.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 10:00 am at Saint Andre Bessette Parish – Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH.
A scholarship in Bill’s name is being established through the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please send donations to the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 7312, Gilford, NH, 03247, in memory of William Purslow.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.