Jonathan Bruce Puritz

Jonathan "Jon" B. Puritz passed away on July 14th, 2025, after a prolonged battle with blood cancer. He was 74 years old. Jon is survived by his wife, MaryLouise Puritz, his son, Jonathan Puritz, Jr., his daughter, Elizabeth Puritz Ridley, his son-in-law, Thomas Ridley, daughter-in-law, Johanna Harvey, and grandson, Dean Ridley. He is also survived by brothers: Daniel Puritz and his wife Virginia Puritz; and Neil Puritz and his partner Patty Shirley. Jon graduated from New Brunswick High School in 1968 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Ryder College in 1972. Jon's first career was in Human Resources, working for several companies including Phillips Electric, Pirelli Tires, Crompton and Knowles, and lastly serving as Vice President of Human Resources for CHR Hansen. He was known as a compassionate manager, often negotiating on behalf of the company's workforce for better pay and benefits, and when he did have to lay folks, he often went out of his way to help them secure another job. Jon's second career was selling insurance for Mutual of Omaha until his retirement in 2015. Jon was an avid golfer, from his high school varsity team to his early seventies. His passion for golf went beyond watching and playing, as he custom made golf clubs for himself and his friends and family. He recently loved taking his grandson Dean to the local putting green. Jon also loved bass fishing, especially during his time living in Virginia. Jon was also a diehard baseball and Yankees Fan. He saw games at the new and original Yankees Stadium cheering for his favorite players from Mickey Mantle, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and recently Aaron Judge. He was also a true fan of the game, often watching other games and players just to see good baseball. Despite losing some hearing later in life, Jon was an audiophile's audiophile with a passion for late 1960s and early 1970s rock and roll. His music collection (both LP and CD) spanned decades and genres from the Allman Brothers to ZZ Top, and every home of his had at least one killer stereo system. With his family and friends, Jon was a man of few words but was the first contact for many for advice and guidance. His quick wit, humor, and ability to playfully tease just about anyone are the stuff of legends. His stoic and calm demeanor was always a comfort during both easy and difficult times. He will be profoundly missed and remembered forever. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Transplant, Nephrology, and Oncology/Hematology Departments at the UVA Medical and Cancer Centers. We are deeply grateful for the treatment and care that helped improve Jon's health and wellness, and we are appreciative to all the staff who happily put-up with Jon's teasing and jokes. The family asks that you consider a donation to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation (https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/) An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.

Jonathan Bruce Puritz

September 27, 1950 - July 14, 2025