May 12, 2026
Karen A. Avitabile, editor of the Catholic Transcript magazine of the Archdiocese of Hartford, wrote the following tribute to the late Bill Purpura, her longtime friend and colleague, when they served as editors for magazines published by AAA and traveled together on press trips.
Until Our Paths Meet Again
By Karen A. Avitabile
A picture with a huge smile just warms my heart and has provided me with comfort since your loss. While I knew you were sick, I truly didn’t expect this outcome. You were too young, too full of life to die; I thought you had more time. You convinced me you would be one of the lucky ones.
We were grateful that our professional roles afforded us the privilege of traveling extensively and experiencing new places. Together, we visited almost every state, most of them several times, seeking out new destinations and savoring each new discovery.
During our travels, we explored hidden gems far from the beaten path. Oftentimes, the scene before us left a lasting impression. We reveled in exquisite cuisine and beverages, savoring the dining experience even more. We embraced new acquaintances and welcomed an abundance of surprises.
Our trips were an unforgettable blend of culture and adventure. We listened to live music, toured museums, went on short and long cruises, viewed awe-inspiring landscapes and even scoured the terrain alongside wild mustangs. We rode Soarin’ Around the World at Epcot countless times.
Our adventures were filled with a collection of firsts that took us out of our comfort zones: skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ziplining, swimming with stingrays and sharks, mountain climbing, biking, riding Segways (I fell off mine going down a hill), viewing wildlife, exploring underground caves, landing on glaciers in floatplanes, taking in the scenery from helicopters, piloting a boat and even feeding (tame) bears – if you want to call them that. Yep, we sure did.
We couldn’t help but laugh, especially when a herd of buffalo caused a traffic jam by lounging on a main road in the Grand Tetons.
I think about you often: your kindness, your wittiness, your get-up and-go attitude, your charm, your elegance and your friendship. The world feels lonelier without you.
Losing you, Bill, has been tough for me and our fellow travelers. But I pray for the repose of your soul every time I think about you. While I could only offer you my friendship when you were alive, I can now offer my prayers as you await your entrance into the heavenly kingdom.
While you have started a new journey, I look forward to seeing you again when my own travels are through. Thank you for being part of my life.
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