February 21, 1940 – May 5, 2025 –
(San Francisco, California) – Fr. David Purdy died on May 5, 2025, after suffering complications arising from Parkinson’s Disease these past few years. Born in Long Beach, California, Fr. David entered the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1959. He received his B.A. Degree in Philosophy at Don Bosco College in New Jersey. He studied theology at the Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and was ordained a priest on March 21, 1970.
Obtaining a Master’s Degree in Religious Education, Fr. David ministered as administrator of the various Salesian high schools in California. He was an ever-present support of high school sports—often attending as many games and events as he could at Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond, CA), St. Francis High School (Watsonville, CA), Don Bosco Tech (Rosemead, CA), Salesian High School (Los Angeles, CA) or St. John Bosco High School (Bellflower, CA). On weekends, he would often help local parishes such as St. Raymond’s in Downey or St. Mary’s in Los Angeles. His joyful spirit and optimistic demeanor kept him in touch with many parishioners and past pupils of Salesian schools.
In 1994, Fr. David was appointed as Pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco. He pastored the parish community for seven years. As pastor, he also guided the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Salesian presence in the United States. Subsequently, he was appointed Director of the Salesian community in Watsonville, where he supervised the early years of the new St. Francis High School in collaboration with Bishop Sylvester Ryan.
In 2003, he was appointed Provincial of the Salesians in the San Francisco Province. He worked tirelessly to ensure that the various schools, parishes, and youth centers were well-staffed with both Salesians and lay personnel.
The last years of his life were marked with declining health. He asked to spend time in some of the schools where he ministered. Whether at Salesian (College Preparatory) High School in Richmond, at St. Francis High School in Watsonville or St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, one could find him each morning greeting the students as they came to school. During lunch time he was constantly walking through various groups and was available to anyone who wanted to speak with him. After school, he often stands by the main entrance to offer each student a meaningful “See you tomorrow!”
Fr. David will be missed by all who were fortunate to have known him, especially the young people whom he taught and those who ministered with him.
Excerpt from Homily at the Mass for Christian Burial:
“Fr. David, thank you for being a great example of fidelity and commitment to the young people as a Salesian of Don Bosco. In Salesian style, you embodied the teachings of Jesus, which we heard in today’s Gospel from Matthew.
I remember the comments made that you lived a simple life, and that when you moved from one Salesian house to another, you had a couple of suitcases with you and only the Birkenstocks on your feet…You were poor in spirit, and yours is the kingdom of heaven.
For years, people talked about and some of us witnessed how you greeted the students and staff at the school entrance and on campus during break and lunch on a daily basis. This is the “sacramental presence” which our Salesian Congregation speaks of today, and you have always embraced it… Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
As a Salesian educator, you have been known to advocate for the needs of the young people… Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for righteousness; you will be satisfied for all eternity.
You always believed in community bonding and fraternal spirit, and you were concerned for the elderly in the community and went out of your way to visit them…You are meek and humble of heart, and you will inherit the land.
Salesian Constitutions #54 reminds us that “Death for the Salesian is made bright by the hope of entering into the joy of the Lord, and when it happens that the Salesian dies working for souls, the Congregation has won a great triumph.” And so we rejoice in the hope that Fr. David Purdy SDB is at peace.”
+ Fr. Mel Trinidad, SDB, Provincial USA West
A Remembrance by Br. Al Vu, SDB
“Today we lay to rest Fr. David Purdy, SDB — a faithful friend, wise leader, joyful priest, and true Salesian. His life was a radiant example of what Don Bosco meant by sacramental presence: always among the young, always present with love, with compassion, and often with a well-timed joke.
Fr. Dave’s wit and humor could light up a room, but it was his deep love for the poor and his unshakable commitment to walking alongside the young that left a lasting mark on all who knew him. He was a mentor, a shepherd, a servant-leader — and above all, a brother to his Salesian confreres.
In his quiet way, he taught us to lead with heart, to love without counting the cost, and to laugh even in the hard moments.
Rest well, Fr. Dave. Your legacy lives on in every life you touched, every mission you nurtured, and every young person who found hope in your presence.”
