Robert John Purdy, age 83, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, at the Phoenix Center in Phoenixville, PA. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Milmont Park, Robert graduated third in the Class of 1960 from Ridley Township High School. He continued his education at Penn State University, where he graduated Magna cum Laude in 1964 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology; he then earned his Master's degree in Organizational and Industrial Psychology from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 1968. Robert spent his entire career in the Penn State University system, first as a Psychology professor at the Schuylkill campus from 1970-1979, then as an academic advisor at McKeesport campus from 1979-1984, and finally achieved his dream of returning to Delaware County in 1984, where he worked as an academic advisor until his retirement in 2004.

Robert was a lifelong learner who enjoyed traveling, particularly road trips. As a child, he enjoyed many road trips with his family, most notably the trip along the original Route 66 in its heyday. Robert took his daughter to every local museum, park, and historical site imaginable when she was growing up, and the two shared an unforgettable trip to England in 1992. Robert was fascinated with all forms of history and loved reading the classics. His specific interests included many varieties of apples and mushrooms, canals and locks, astronomy, the Civil War, and ancient Egypt.

He was the son of the late John G. Purdy and Eleanor Purdy, nee Benckert.

SURVIVORS: His beloved daughter Elizabeth Scroggin (Tom Kennedy), his cherished granddaughter Lilith Scroggin, and his brother Daniel Purdy (Amy Firelein). Robert is also survived by his Aunt Ann Oskowis and Aunt Ann Marchetti, and a host of cousins and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday May 16, 2026 from 10:30-11:30am at the Nolan-Fidale Funeral Home, 5980 Chichester Ave, Aston PA 19014. Eulogies will begin at 11:30am at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date.