Robert E. Purtilo

Robert E. Purtilo, age 80, formerly of Ashtabula, OH, died Friday, September 27, 2013, at Lake Med Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Painesville. He was born December 11, 1932, in Ashtabula, OH, a son of Richard J. and Mary A. (Saari) Purtilo. Mr. Purtilo was a 1950 graduate of Ashtabula Harbor High School. He received Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University and his Master's Degree in Education from Kent State University in 1957. He started his teaching career in the Pymatuning Valley Schools and later Conneaut City Schools. He finished his career as an administrator and music educator for the Ashtabula City School system. Mr. Purtilo was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Ashtabula; the state and national teacher's associations; and the Musicians Union. He played French horn for the Ashtabula Symphonic Band and served as Choir Director of First Presbyterian Church of Ashtabula for a number of years. He enjoyed listening to classical and big band music, traveling with his wife of over 50 years, Eloise, and was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns and Indians. Mr. Purtilo married the love of his life, Eloise A. (Kukkola), on October 25, 1957. She preceded him in death on October 21, 2010. Also preceding him in death are his parents; his son, Kenneth E. Purtilo; his brother, Ernest M. Purtilo; his sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Hill) Purtilo; and his nephew, Tom Bilodeau. He is survived by his daughter, Karen E. (Christopher) Wivell of Painesville, OH; his four grandchildren, Kenneth S. Purtilo and Robert J. Purtilo, both of Geneva, OH, Elizabeth A. and Catherine H. Wivell of Painesville, OH; his great granddaughter, Carissa Purtilo; his niece, Barbara A. Bilodeau of Herndon, Virginia; and his nephew, James M. (Chris) Purtilo of Silver Springs, MD. A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 4, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Greenlawn Memorial Garden Chapel in North Kingsville, OH. Viewing will be at 10:30 AM until the time of service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Zion Lutheran Church, 2310 West 9th St., Ashtabula,OH 44004. Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Service, 134 Prospect St., Andover, OH, is handling arrangements with an online guestbook available at www.baumgardnerfuneralhomes.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Greenlawn Memorial Gardens

North Kingsville OH

Visitation

Friday, October 4 2013
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Greenlawn Memorial Gardens

North Kingsville OH

Service

Friday, October 4 2013
11:00 AM

Greenlawn Memorial Gardens

North Kingsville OH