Robert K. Purington

PITTSBURG – Robert K. Purington, 71, of Pittsburg, and formerly of Peabody, Mass., died on Saturday morning, Sept. 1, 2018, at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon from complications of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born in Lynn, Mass., on Sept. 10, 1946, a son of the late Kenneth and Dorothy (Kinney) Purington. Bob attended Lowell State College until 1971 where he studied music. After college, Bob played for many years in jazz bands and function bands around Boston and the seacoast of NH. In 1985 he started playing music on cruise ships, plying the waters of the Caribbean on Carnival, Commodore, and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. In 1986, along with his drummer friend, Rick Erwin, he joined The Freddy Guerra Orchestra at The Balsams Grand Resort in Dixville Notch. He played music there during the summers, while working on cruise ships in winter. In 1995, he began working year-round at The Balsams, and continued to do so until the resort closed in 2011. It was during his last years at The Balsams that Bob met and fell in love with the love of his life, Michele Daniels, and she and her daughter Delaney then became the main focus of Bob’s life. Following his career at The Balsams, he continued to play music with other Balsams musicians, including pianist Greg Goodwin, and drummer Rick Erwin. He also enjoyed working with the band Black Jack. In addition, he most recently worked with the band “DC3” based out of Sugar Hill, with Dennis Cote, and Rick Erwin, playing regularly at the Mt. Washington Resort. Bob was the consummate musician. He loved playing the bass, and continued to practice every day. He was a proficient classical guitarist, a fine pianist, and an accomplished music arranger. He enjoyed teaching music to the student who showed sincerity in the process of learning. Additionally, he was an excellent tennis player, and enjoyed teaching tennis. He loved to cross-country ski, alpine ski, and snowshoe. He loved reading books, and collecting records and CDs. Bob was a huge Red Sox fan, and cheered for all teams Boston. Bob was a peaceful and gentle soul, who quietly went along loving life, and making the world a better place with his music and kindness. He leaves behind his beloved partner, Michele Daniels and her daughter Delaney of Pittsburg; a brother, Richard Purington and his wife Peg of Danvers, Mass., and an extensive family of fellow musicians and friends who will all miss him dearly. There are no public calling hours. A Celebration of Bob’s Life will take place at a later date in November, of which notice will be given. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Robert K. Purington

September 10, 1946 - September 1, 2018