Carson C. Puriefoy Sr.

Carson Calvert Puriefoy, Sr. Carson Calvert Puriefoy, Sr., 84, of Sharon Hill, PA, peacefully departed this life on December 11, 2021, after complications from a stroke. He was born on May 3, 1937, to the late Carson and Betty Puriefoy in Philadelphia, PA. Cal, as he was known by his friends and family, was 12 years of age when the family moved to Yeadon, PA. After graduating from Yeadon High School, Cal graduated from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT. He later completed courses at Cheyney University. Cal’s early careers included working within the family-owned businesses and various corporate sales positions. In the early 1960’s, Cal worked for several years at Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America (OIC). This organization, which focused on education and job training programs for minorities, would lead him to his life’s work of service where he would help underserved people and communities. He traveled throughout the country and loved the fruits of his labor, helping others on their journey. In the early 1980’s, Cal worked for the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC) as Director of Program Planning & Community Development. He served there for more than 20 years until his retirement. After retirement, Cal enjoyed his role as Publicist for his uncle, Stanley Glenn of the Philadelphia Stars, Negro League Baseball Players Association (NLBPA). Cal was proud to accompany the surviving five NLBPA players to the ceremonies where they received accolades and when the NLBPA marker, statue, and mural were placed in the Negro League Memorial Park, located at 44th and Parkside Avenue in Philadelphia. Cal was an avid golfer. He established the Carson Calvert Puriefoy (CCP) Memorial Fund at the Philadelphia Foundation to honor his late father, and he started the Annual CCP Golf Memorial Tournament to support minority urban youth who wanted to get involved in the game. Cal was never at a loss for words, until he went to watch Tiger Woods play golf at the 2013 U.S. Open at the Merion Golf Club. He enjoyed the camaraderie shared with his friends and golfing buddies at the Monday Club in New Castle, DE, the oldest Black men’s social club in the U.S. One of Cal’s favorite things to do was cheer for his grandchildren in whatever endeavors they were involved, whether in the arts, academics, or sports. He cherished his memories of being in attendance in 2016 watching Tre (grandson) and the Stony Brook Seawolves men’s basketball team make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the school’s history. Cal loved to cook, entertain, and vacation with family and friends, and they enjoyed his hospitality. He was an avid reader and history buff. He also enjoyed reciting and writing poetry. Every spring, he looked forward to attending the Philadelphia Penn Relays. He was a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan. He loved dancing, watching old movies, standup comedians, westerns, and political news, especially CNN/MSNBC. Cal was a formidable Monopoly and chess player. His music of choice was jazz and anything by Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Dinah Washington. Cal had the personality, charm, and intellect to make memorable and lasting impressions on everyone he knew. His extensive knowledge and experiences, including travel, enabled him to engage in conversation with anyone he met. Cal also loved to drive. He would take day trips to Atlantic City, NJ, to get his favorite pizza at Tony’s Baltimore Grill. He would share with new staff stories about his 50-year association with the restaurant and its celebrated history. Some of his best stories were about his experiences during the Civil Rights movement, his participation in the 1963 March on Washington, the sit-ins at Woolworth lunch counters, and the Million Man March in Washington, to name just a few. He was proud to attend the Inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993. In addition, he campaigned vigorously to elect President Barack Obama in both of his presidential elections. Cal was previously married to the late Berenice Spellman, and to that union two children were born: Carson, Jr., and Kia. In 1985, Cal met and later married his life partner, Barbara Miller. Together for 37 years, they enjoyed hosting dinners and parties at their home, traveling, playing Pinochle, going out to eat, and attending jazz festivals. Cal was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dale B. Puriefoy. Cherishing his memory are his wife, Barbara; sons, Carson Puriefoy, Jr. (Vanessa) and Minister Kevin Miller (Latifa); daughters, Kia B. Puriefoy and Terri Miller-McDonald (Devin); grandchildren, Jamar Mapp, Kiana Miller, Carson Puriefoy III, Naim Miller, Christian Scherwitzl-Wright, twins Sydney and Dakota Puriefoy, and Devyn McDonald; sisters, Jacquelynn Puriefoy Brinkley and Wendy D. Puriefoy; nephews, Noel Brinkley (Juliana) and Glenn Josey; nieces, Wendy Johnson and Blayre Redrick (Nijel); grandniece and nephew Naomi and Harper Brinkley; brother-in-law, Lester Spellman (Cheryl); sisters-in-law, Jessie Johnson and Penny Thomas; and his Goddaughter, Traci Currie. Cal also leaves unforgettable memories cherished by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, neighbors, and friends, including the gold coast foursome. The family of Carson Calvert Puriefoy, Sr., thanks you for all the love, support, and kindness shown during this difficult time. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Carson Puriefoy Memorial Fund at the Philadelphia Foundation, 1835 Market Street, Suite 2410; Philadelphia, PA 19103-2968. May God bless you.

Carson C. Puriefoy Sr.

May 3, 1937 - December 11, 2021