12/10/2025
BUCKLAND — Arnold C. Purinton, 84, passed away peacefully on Dec. 6, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family.
Born in Montague on May 17, 1941 to Mark and Edith Purinton, Arnold grew up with strong values of faith, community, and hard work.
He graduated from Arms Academy in 1959 and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard the following year. While stationed in Gloucester, he met the love of his life, Judith E. Sawyer. The two were married on Aug. 27, 1961 and began their family in Gloucester before returning to Buckland, where Arnold would live the rest of his life on Clesson Brook Road.
Upon returning home, Arnold discovered his calling in the plumbing trade, beginning as an apprentice for Bukowski Plumbing. He earned his journeyman's license and continued gaining experience with several local plumbing companies. In June of 1976, he proudly established Arnold C. Purinton Plumbing and Heating, a business built on integrity, skill, and community trust.
Arnold's unwavering devotion to God, family, and country grounded every part of his life. Family was at the heart of Arnold's life, and he especially cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren. He delighted in creating memorable traditions with them — grandfather sleepovers, fiddle heading, and countless moments of simple fun and connection. He treasured every gathering and every shared story, always ready to support, laugh with, and celebrate those he loved. His steady, kind, and generous presence will be warmly remembered by all who knew him.
He lived fully and faithfully, giving generously of his time and talents to both his family and his community. A proud Master Mason of the Mountain Lodge, he was also a member of the American Legion, the Kiwanis Club, and the Buckland Volunteer Fire Department. He served as President of the Franklin County Master Plumbers Association.
A true renaissance man, Arnold embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. Over the years he became a pilot, boat builder, golfer, avid fisherman, gardener, giant-pumpkin grower, beekeeper, musician, and more. Along with his brothers, Josh and Mark, he revived the Buckland Memorial Day parade, affectionately renaming it the Hat and Sock Parade, joking that those were the only parts of their uniforms that still fit. Ensuring that flags were properly placed throughout Buckland for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July was among his most cherished acts of service.
Throughout his life, he and his lifelong friend, Dave Wissman, invested in real estate, proudly owning and managing multiple apartment buildings.
Following his retirement, Arnold devoted himself to building detailed replicas of historic local buildings, many of which were proudly displayed throughout nearby towns. Sharing this work brought him great joy.
In his later years, Arnold could often be found — weather permitting — patrolling Clesson Brook Road in his golf cart, checking on loved ones and keeping a watchful eye on the neighborhood he cherished.
Arnold leaves behind his four children and their spouses: Kevin Purinton (Samantha), Jeffrey Purinton (Bonnie), Jill Jablonski (Ted), and Pamela DuPree (Eric), all of Buckland. He also leaves 15 grandchildren: Daniel, Big Cassie, Lil Cassie, Angelica, Melissa, Beth, Tim, Rachel, Jake, Erika, Brendan, Dylan, Evan, Riley, and Avery; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his adored wife of 61 years, Judy; his parents; and his siblings, Mark, Josh, Fern, and Patricia.
The Purinton family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Richard Warner (who Arnold said can now officially retire) for his many years of dedicated, responsive care, and to Chief Herb Guyette for his comforting presence, expertise, and support.
The Purintons will receive family and friends on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Mary Lyon Church in Buckland. A service including a Masonic Evergreen tribute will follow immediately.
A military burial will be held in the spring with a celebration of life to follow.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider donations to the Mary Lyon Church or the Buckland Cemetery Association.
