Richard A. “Dick” Purol

He was born April 11, 1953 in Dunkirk, the son of Arthur (Joyce) Purol of Dunkirk and the late Blanche (Kaletta) Purol.

A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, Richard was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, class of 1971. He served in the U.S. Army from 1972-1977.

He had been employed at Roblin Steel, Great Lakes Printing, and as a gas well tender for Cotton Well Drilling in Sheridan.

Richard was a very funny, outgoing person with a heart of service to his community. He had a profound impact on all he met and a role model to many. To his friend and family he was known as “Dick” or “Dickie.” He was a Past Chief (1984 and 1985), and held many offices including the current Financial Secretary in the East Dunkirk Fire Department. Richard was a long time participant in the Town of Dunkirk Government. In his 43 years of service to the town he served on the Planning and Zoning Boards, as a Town Councilman, and as the Town Supervisor for the past 19 years. He was Chairman of the North Chautauqua County Water District, Co-Chairman of Chadwick Bay Intermunicipal Water District, and a Portland, Pomfret, Dunkirk Sewer District member. He was a member of Dunkirk First United Methodist Church where he was serving as Head Trustee. Richard was very active in the past several DHS Class of 1971 class reunions. He was the chairman of all most all of the reunions, with just recently celebrating their 50 plus one reunion.

Besides his father, he is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Roman) Purol, whom he married April 20, 1974; one son, Brian (Kristen Anson) Purol of Dunkirk; one daughter, Julie (Michael) Sek of Dunkirk; six grandchildren, Jacob and Ella Purol, Michelle and Jared Sek, and Ian and Dalila; one brother, Steve Purol; two sisters, Carol (Roy) Laemmerhirt and Janice (Michael) Ganey; two sister-in-laws, Betsy (Cliff) Murphy and Annemarie Roman; two step brothers, Arthur (Dana) Mc Arthur and Randall Mc Arthur, and one step-sister, Kelly McArthur; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his infant sister, Barbara Purol.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, Feb. 23, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. A firefighter’s service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. James Bailey will officiate. Full military honors will be accorded by the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard. Burial will be in Willowbrook Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to East Dunkirk Fire Department or Dunkirk First United Methodist Church.