Citadel Alumni Obituaries

Robert A. Purple, 81, of Hollywood, Maryland, died on December 30, 2012 at
his home. Born July 25, 1931 in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late
William and Henrietta “Mary” Purple. Bob graduated from The Citadel in June
1951 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and later received a Master’s
degree in Nuclear Engineering and Civil Engineering from MIT in 1958. He
spent 20 years in the US Army, serving in both Korea and Vietnam, and
retired in 1972 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Bob was awarded the Bronze Star
Medal and the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service while in
combat and in the performance of his military duties. He spent the next 15
years working for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Department
of Energy. He served as the US Scientific Representative to the European
Community in the late 1970′s in Brussels, Belgium.After a blind date and a
three month whirlwind romance, Bob married Betty Robinson. His army career
meant frequent moves and the couple lived in France, Washington, Ohio,
Kansas, Alabama and Virginia. Always looking for adventure, Bob and Betty
purchased a home at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland where they and their four kids
enjoyed year-round fun waterskiing, sailing, swimming and snow skiing.In
retirement, Bob and Betty enjoyed living on the water and established a
business, Hollywood Studio Stained Glass, where they were commissioned to
create a variety of stained glass art for individual homes and businesses.
Their stained glass can be found in St. Mary’s County and throughout the
United States. He and Betty, supported the Hospice of St. Mary’s County
through selling specially designed stained glass ornaments for 11 years.
“Captain Bob” loved the water and he and Betty spent a great deal of time
exploring the intercoastal waterway and traveling with family. He has
created wonderful memories for his family and friends through his many
boating excursions.Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elisabeth R.
Purple; his son, Richard Purple; his three daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanne
and David Lee, Elees and Kevin Anderson and Sue and Dave Bradley; and his
eight grandchildren, Erik, Nikki, Rebecca, Sharon, Christine, Adam, Emily
and Annie, who all love and miss him dearly.Family will receive friends for
Robert’s Life Celebration on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. at St.
John’s Catholic Church, 43950 Saint Johns Road, Hollywood, Maryland. A Mass
of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. A reception with the
family will immediately follow in the Monseigneur Harris Hall.

Tags: 1951