Keith A. Purdie

Keith A. Purdie, 80, of Hermitage, passed away on March 11, 2026, in the emergency room of Sharon Regional Medical Center following an extended illness.

Born on March 18, 1945, in Sharon, Keith was the son of the late William and Catherine (Hostetter) Purdie. He graduated from Sharon High School in 1964 and served in the U.S. Army as a tank mechanic in California during the Vietnam Era, receiving an honorable discharge on December 12, 1967.

For 28 years, Keith owned and operated Membrane Roofers, Inc. in Hermitage, specializing in commercial and industrial roofing. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-own several earlier businesses, including Valley Carpet Care, Arctic Ice Company, and Pinball Wizard, while also managing multiple rental properties. A longtime member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Sharon, he was an original member of the “Tooters,” a close-knit group of friends who shared many of his happiest times and fondest memories.

Known as “Crash” in his younger years, Keith held a lifelong passion for racing. He was happiest behind the wheel, frequently racing his ’99 Chevy Camaro and ’69 Chevy pick-up at Thompson Raceway. Above all, he cherished his role as a family man, finding special joy in swimming with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joan (Lucas) Purdie, whom he married on February 2, 1974; two sons, Jake Purdie of Hermitage and Jordan (Alyssa) Purdie of Masury, Ohio; a daughter, Krista (Andrew, Jr.) Totin of Sharpsville; two grandchildren, Joanna and Selena Totin; a sister, Jean Purdie of California; and his beloved dog, Pearl. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John “Jack” Purdie.