Joseph F. Purpura

Joseph F. Purpura, age 97, a resident of Wheaton, IL, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026. He was born January 19, 1929 in Chicago, IL to Jack & Rose Purpura

Joe grew up in Chicago and went to Lane Tech high school. He went on to earn a masters degree in music from The American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. He travelled across the country playing violin for the Wayne King Orchestra. Joe taught 6th grade and was school principal in the St. Charles public school district. In retirement he travelled extensively and worked with his wife, Rona for the Illinois Retired Teachers Association. He continued to play “gigs” in Chicago into his eighties.

He is survived by his children Valerie (Brian) Charlesworth, Gia (Dan) Burns, and Orlando (Linda) Purpura; and his three grandchildren: Ashley Charlesworth, Helen Burns, and Daniel Burns.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Rona.

A visitation will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187, on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Illinois Retired Teacher's Association, 828 S. 2nd Street, Springfield, IL 62704.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.