Obituary of LaRue A. Purhenn, Sr.

LaRue A. Purhenn, Sr, age 86, of Rome, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2019, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Syracuse.

He was born June 29, 1933, in Towanda, PA, a son of the late Lee A. and Geraldine Holland Purhenn.  LaRue was united in marriage to the former Nancy Koenig on March 14, 1953, in St. Peter’s Church. He owned and operated Lee’s Garage in Ithaca, NY, for many years. LaRue proudly served in the U. S. Army and was a member of St. Peter’s Church.

LaRue is survived by his wife, Nancy; four daughters and sons in law, Lorrie and Dennis Arsnault of Lowell, MA, Shellie and Terry McCabe of Yorktown, VA, Cindie and Mike Day of Ithaca, NY, and Wendie Frances of Littleton, MA; a son, LaRue A. Purhenn, Jr. of Syracuse; a sister, Delphine Edmonson; 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.  He was predeceased by two sisters, Arlene Ryan and Patricia Reaser.

A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Rev. Sean O’Brien, will be held Saturday at 11:30 AM at St. Peter’s Church. Military Honors will be held at St. Peter’s Church.  Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

There are no calling hours.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mission of the Christ Child at St. Peter’s Church.

Please offer online tributes at:  www.BarryFuneralHome.com.