William D Purifoy

William Dewitt Purifoy, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 15, 1959. He was the third of four children from the union of Donald and Frances Penelton Purifoy. Bill and his siblings grew up in the close knit community of Homestead, PA. He attended Clark Memorial Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Donald Tunie and was educated in the Steel Valley School District. He was a 1977 graduate of Steel Valley High School where he excelled in both football and basketball. After high school Bill attended the New Mexico Military Academy and the University of Tulsa. In 1983 he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and played two years with the USFL. Bill united in marriage to Denise Williams and this union produced three children. He and his family lived in Tulsa for a time where he worked for the Tulsa Oklahoma Sheriff's Department in the Gang Task Force before they relocated back to his beloved hometown of Homestead. With his background in law enforcement, Bill found employment with the Allegheny County D.A's office and remained in their employ as a dedicated public servant until the time of his passing. Bill's twenty years with the department made him a valuable asset. He was a detective, member of the Drug Task Force, sharpshooter, hostage negotiator . . . and a formidable presence. Upon his return to Homestead he also resumed his involvement with the Homestead Volunteer Fire Department; the organization that he first joined at the age of sixteen. He was totally committed to that organization and upon his retirement "Chief Purifoy" has logged over 38 years of volunteer service to the department. In his spare time he liked to build battle ships and sing karaoke. On October 14, 2013, the Lord called William Dewitt Purifoy, Sr. home. He is preceded in death by his father, Donald Purifoy, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved mother, Frances Purifoy; devoted children: William (Kristen Domonski) Purifoy, Jr.; Sherisse Purifoy, and Courtney Purifoy; siblings: Cheryl (Albert) Bowe, Donald (Karen) Purifoy, Jr. and Christina (Tim Shipman) Purifoy grandchildren: Imani Walker, Isaiah Walker, and Desirae Purifoy; nieces, nephews, cousins, his fire fighting family, and other good friends too numerous to mention.

Tributes

William D Purifoy

November 15, 1959 - October 14, 2013