Gurdev Singh Purewal, MD
August 22, 1937 ~ June 7, 2020
Gurdev S. Purewal, MD, 82, an accomplished orthopedic surgeon in the Weirton Area for over forty years, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2020.
Dr. Purewal was born in Kalewal in Hoshiarpur, a small village, in the northern part of India, , located 200 miles north of Delhi. He was the youngest of five siblings.
He attended a local school until the fifth grade, then was accepted to The Lawrence School Sanawar, a prestigious co-educational boarding school. He did his pre-med studies at the University of Allahabad. He spent a year at St. Xavier’s College in Ranchi before starting medical school at Government College Medical School at Amritsar, India.
Dr. Purewal was awarded college colors in basketball, soccer, field hockey, and water polo, and a Silver medal in rifle shooting.
After graduating, he started his orthopedic residency, during which time he married his wife, Surinderit.
After writing his thesis and passing his exams, Dr. Purewal was awarded a master’s in surgery degree in orthopedics and became a lecturer in orthopedic surgery. He then went to England, training at the Royal Orthopedic Hospital in Birmingham, the U.K. for three years. Returning to India, he was promoted to assistant professor at his medical school, before coming to the United States in 1975, along with his wife and three children, Amandeep, Preena, and Navdeep.
Dr. Purewal did a residency at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, PA, and then moved to Weirton in 1977, where has been an integral part of the Weirton Community. His lifelong commitment to professionalism and patient care was equally matched by his compassion and kindness in dealing with every person he touched in the course of his daily life.
Dr. Purewal was the Past President of the WMC Medical-Dental Staff and a past member of the WMC Board of Trustees. He also was a Past President of the Weirton Rotary Club, and a 2018 inductee into the Weirton Hall of Fame.
In his personal life, nothing was more important than the time he spent with his family. He cherished every moment. Dr. Purewal found relaxation in golfing, gardening, and photography. As a licensed pilot, Dr. Purewal enjoyed flying and vacationing with his family
He worshipped at the Pittsburgh Gurudwara Tri-State Sikh Cultural Society in Monroeville, PA
Dr. Purewal was preceded in death by his parents, Dalip Singh and Harnam Kaur; brothers, Major Mehnga Singh and Joginder Singh; and sister, Gurbachan Kaur.
He will be remembered with love by his wife, Surinder Purewal, his sons, Amandeep Purewal, MD and his wife Guneet Purewal, MD, Navdeep Purewal, MD and his wife Harpreet Purewal; his daughter, Preena Reier, MD and her husband, Allan Reier, MD; his beloved grandchildren, Jessika and Monika Reier, Ahran Gurdev Singh Purewal, Nishant, and Aleena Purewal; and his sister, Satwant Kaur
Public visitation will be 4-8 PM Thursday at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV.
A private ceremony will be held on Saturday.
Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com 304 748 3219
Our deepest sympathy to Mrs Purewal and the Purewal family. My heart is broken for you. I worked for Dr Purewal for 2 years but have known him since he came to Weirton to practice and at WGH. Many great memories which we shared some days reminiscing over the good old days. I learned a lot from Dr P and will cherish the time we worked together and our talks as he was always so easy to talk to or willing to teach us something, unless you did something he didn’t agree with. Lol, which we all did at one time or another. I do regret that we did not get to start his book on his life and education because that was something he really wanted to do. Rest in Peace Dr Purewal and may everlasting light shine upon you. Donna Zahn and family.
My deepest sympathies to Dr’s family. He was such a kind person who took such good care of my John. I will be forever grateful to Dr for all he did for us. Rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to Dr. Purewal’s family. I worked the last two years helping out in the office part time but really enjoyed being there. He was so wonderful to his patients and they loved him. I learned much from being there. Our Friday lunches and discussions were a nice departure from the business of medicine. He was such a presence and will be sadly missed. My prayers are with you. Beth Kindelberger
Sending my condolences to the family.
Dr Purwal was a very special person. He always treated me with the utmost respect when I helped him at Trinity West. My deepest condolences to the family. He will be in my prayers
Sad to hear o f Dr G Purewal passing worked with him from 1977-1980 in the OR at Weirton Med. Remember the day he stepped off the elevator at Old Weirton General into the OR he was a gentleman very respectful to us as staff, and very easy to work with in such a high pressure area to work in. When I returned to WMC in the early 90’s to work IV therapy he would always ask me to reconsider coming back to OR to work. Prayers to his family thru their time of mourning Mary Beth Tomaino Carpenter
my sympathy goes out to all of the family i sure did liked him he doctored my husband and also my self god bless from dorothy sisler
He has cared for our family for years. He has treated my mother, my husband and my granddaughter. He will be greatly missed for many years to come. He touched a lot of lives!!! 😥
To the Family. So so for your loss what a great Doctor. He will be missed by All
Many thoughts and prayers to Dr. Purewal’s family! I’ll miss his smile and his genuine kindness.
I am so honored to have had the chance to work with this wonderful man for the last 11 years. He made such a last impression on so many over the years. This is a tough loss for not only his family but the entire community ♥️
In 1980 Dr Purewal set my collarbone, I was 8 and not a bit afraid, he did a great job. 12 years later I met him as I started my nursing career, he was always a gentleman. 14 years later I got to work with him as a nurse anesthetist, and he was always gentle with his patients, was a rare person with both skill and a bedside manner. He always took care of any patient in need, never caring if they had “the right insurance.” A true loss to the Weirton community. Lee Ann Mott Aul
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have known Dr. Purewal since he became a member of the WMC Medical Staff. I worked in Administration and was the Secretary for the Hancock County Medical Society. I have never met a more kind and caring man and physician. I was so heart broken when I heard of his passing. My family and I were very blessed to have Dr. Purewal as our physician many, many times. He will be missed by so many patients and the entire community. My prayers and deepest sympathy to the entire family.🙏
My Heart goes out to this Family!!! Such a wonderful Dr!!! Many Hugs Love and Prayers to the family and Friends during the Loss of such a wonderful person!!! Truly sorry for your Loss!!!
My sincere thoughts and prayers to the Purewal family. Dr. Purewal was such a blessing to me when I fell in 2014, fully displacing and fracturing my shoulder. I was so frightened! But his kind, sensitive nature chased away my fears, as he answered all my questions with such confidence. He was a wonderful doctor! You will be sorely missed, Dr. Purewal!
I’m saddened to heard about Dr.Purewal, I cut his hair for several years at Farran’s Barbershop, I will miss our conversations , he was always a bright spot in my day, always a humble gentleman. Prayers to all his family.
I’ve always been going to him for my knee. Since I started on vitamins it’s much better an walking as well. He will be missed. May he Rest In Peace.
I worked with Dr Purewal when he first came to Weirton medical center. I worked in radiology so I worked closely with him. Dr. Purewal wasn’t only a great surgeon but a wonderful person he will truly be missed by many. Trish Ramsey.
My sincere sympathy to the family. Dr Purewal was always so supportive of me when I worked at WMC medical staff. He will be missed. He was such a kind man. Melissa DeFrances
I first met Dr. Purewal when my mom, Pat McAbee, began working for him. He was not just an employer to my mom, but a wonderful friend to our whole family. After my mother passed away, every time I went home to visit, I would always stop by his office just to say hi. It didn’t matter how busy he was, He would always stop what he was doing to see me. I was always greeted with his beautiful smile and a warm hug! He would always ask how everyone was, always tell me that he still missed my mom and have me promise to come back again the next time I was in town. He was a very gifted surgeon and such a kind, wonderful man. My deepest sympathy to his wife, his children and all of his family and friends. The world has lost such a beautiful soul.
We have been profoundly saddened by the sudden passing away of Dr.Purewal, a very dear and close family friend, we would say family. In this time of grief our heartfelt condolences to the family. May Waheguru give you strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. You are in our prayers. Harbhajan & Satinder Ajrawat and Family.
I have worked with Dr Purewal since 2011. He has become a very big part of my life. He was a gifted man who could carry on a conversation about anything. Our Friday lunches became an educational time for all of us. He played a big supporter for me during a time when I became a living liver donor. He shared my story with many of his friends. I will miss his daily lectures on eating well, exercise, family strengths, but mostly his caring attitude to all of his patients. He was a great family man and he cared about our families as well. Anytime something was going on with my family, he never forgot and asked for days how they were. He took the time to meet my kids and grandchildren at the airport and share his plane with them (and to give them hidden candy bars from the trunk of his car). My grandkids see a plane now and they ask always “is that Dr Purewal?” I will forever say yes. Fly high Dr Purewal!! You will be missed beyond words. A tree will be planted in your honor. Margaret Porter, The Boring’s, and The Lewis’s
Dear Mrs. Purewal and family, We can’t express our deep sorrow at the pssing of Dr.Purewal. Not only was he an excellent surgeon, he was a very kind, compassionate, gentle, caring man. This was not only true for his patients. but equally imprtant, was the same for the family. Carolyn was a patient of Dr. Purewal for over 30 years and far more than being an excellent surgeon, he was true friend to us. He will be sorely missed. Our prayers are with him, with you, and your family during this very difficult time. Carolyn and Bill Hannen 4604 Fairway Drive Steubenville, OH 43953
He was a wonderful surgeon and doctor. He has touched so many lives and he will truly be missed! Prayers to his family. 🙏🙏🙏
I admired Dr Purewal. He always knew what he was doing and operated on my broken arm. I will miss him.
From: Devinderjit S. Purewal, Barrister & Solicitor Manjit Purewal Sareena Purewal MD & Keith Rupeena Purewal MD & Sanjeet Karan Purewal MD Akash Purewal Edmonton, AB, Canada ||||| With tearful eyes and heavy hearts, we pass on our heartfelt condolences on the untimely passing of Uncleji Dr. Gurdev S. Purewal. In Uncleji’s passing, I feel that I have lost a part of myself. Uncleji was a kind soul, with a generous heart, and a charismatic personality. His intelligence and determination made him a renowned doctor, but his caring and supportive nature made him a wonderful person. Uncleji’s infectious smile won over anyone and everyone that he came into contact with. He was a loving husband to Auntieji, whom he adored with all his heart. Uncleji was a caring and supportive father and grandfather, and a father figure for his nieces and nephews. Uncleji was also a loving son and an affectionate and responsible brother. More importantly, regardless of who he met, Uncleji was a friend to all. He set out to build a wonderful life for his family & community, and it is clear that he succeeded in doing so. Uncleji’s shadow will remain with us long after he is put to rest. Unknowingly, he inspired countless people to pursue great things. Whether in good times or bad, he was always there for everyone. You could always count on his wise advice to help you climb what seemed like insurmountable obstacles. His soothing and calm voice would power you through your difficulties and help you see the light at the end. We are very proud of Uncleji and the amazing life that he lived. He never told us how to live; but he lived, and let us watch him. God almighty is great, but took Uncleji from us too soon. We will always love him very much. Those who we love don’t walk away, they stay with us every day.
I’m devestated! I’m just hearing of my dr’s passing! Dr. P. Was an amazing, caring and compassionate surgeon! My heart goes out to his family and thank you sharing this wonderful man with the rest of the world, he leaves a beautiful legacy 2💖
Deepest sympathies to the Purewal family. A wonderful man healing so many people for many generations! – Dr Michael and Laurie Adolph & family.
I am terribly shocked, and finding it very difficult to believe that Gurdev is not there. I have really lost a true friend of 69 years, and nothing in the world can replace a true friend. He was highly professional yet very humble, modest, compassionate and would do anything for the well being of others. We are praying that god gives strength to Surender and his children to bear this loss. From, Vijai Yadav, Renu, Monish, Anuj, Suhasini, Suruchi, Tarun, Shreya and Rhea.
I am terribly shocked, and finding it very difficult to believe that Gurdev is not there. I have really lost a true friend of 69 years, and nothing in the world can replace a true friend. He was highly professional yet very humble, modest, compassionate and would do anything for the well being of others. We are praying that god gives strength to Surender and his children to bear this loss. From, Vijai Yadav, Renu, Monish, Anuj, Suhasini, Suruchi, Tarun, Shreya and Rhea.
To the amazing family of Doctor Gurdev Purewal… First I am truly sorry for your loss. I was a patient of Dr. Purewal in 2012 when I broke my shoulder he was very compassionate and listened to me talk about my pain. In times like these I remember what was said to me when I lost my mother and father I always like to share it… Cry when you need to, laugh when you want to, and smile when you think of the memories. Thank you Dr. Gurdev Purewal for everything.
With profound grief and a heavy heart we write a few lines about *Dr Gurdev Singh Purewal* who suddenly left us, heart broken on 7 June 2020. Dr Gurdev Singh Purewal being the youngest child/kin of his parents / siblings was immensely loved and he returned their love in equal abundance. Dr Gurdev was a priceless possession of the Purewal family… The first in the family to attain the degree of a medical doctor. He was Pride of his village and respected by village folks. A charismatic personality, who never accepted failure and dared odds to reach great heights in his profession. As an Orthopaedic surgeon for six decades, professionally competent, he stayed humble. He was always kind and compassionate to his patients. In his personal life he was a devout husband to his wife Auntyji Surinderjit Purewal and a perfect father to his children Dr Amandeep, Dr Preena and Dr Navdeep their spouses and the grandchildren. He loved us, all his nephews and nieces equally. He loved spending time with his family and friends, wherein he would fondly talk of his childhood days. We will miss his jovial talks, his loving and caring personality. He was always an inspiring person who lead us by example. A dynamic personality with hobbies of Photography and Golfing; he was also a passionate Aviator. Always gave ample time to family, friends and relatives; Dr and Mrs Purewal did not miss any activity of the family may it be sad or a happy occassion. Ironically, one can buy everything with money but not these tender relationships. The relationship, we adored intimately in life thus far. Accepting will of Almighty, We, Colonel Atwal, Dr Mrs Jasvinder, Dr Udaybir Singh & Dr Sahiba Atwal pray for peace for the departed Noble soul and courage for the entire family to bear the irreparable loss. We will live with his fond memories forever.
Gurdev was at Sanawar with me . Lost touch with him andALAS found him in this obituary message .RIP Daljit Sihota New Delhi
I was very saddened to learn of Dr. Purewal’s passing. It was a pleasure to know him and work with him over my many years at WMC and Life Line. He was kind and gentle, caring person. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy to his family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sat Siri Akal last time to my best teacher at Govt. Medical College and Hospital in Amritsar. Dr. Purewal was my teacher in Orthopedics for Six Months, as I have been his senior House Surgeon before he left for USA, and I left for Canada in 1975. My last meeting with him was in July, 2019. My memories during the time We spent together have been so much memorable as he leaves this world for ever. Just can believe it. Still in denial. A wonderful, kind, and generous, not only an awesome human being and an excellent teacher. He would stay in my memory all my life. May Guru Jee give his soul Rest In Peace as he himself has been loving and peaceful. May God bless his family and us all to bear this loss with courage and peace . With regards. Kuldip Singh Kular psher11@gmail.com
Thoughts and prayers to Dr. Purewal’s family. He was a great doctor and he will be missed by many.
I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Purewal’s passing. He replaced both knees & a hip over the past 2 years. I was kind of a poster child of his work. He was always so kind, compassionate, & joked with my husband & me. I will miss him greatly.
We are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have recently encountered. Our condolences on the passing of Dr. Purewal. Our thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes are with you all during this time. May his soul rest in peace. Narpat & Vasundhara Jain & Family
I am a family friend of Dr. Gurdev Purewal from Toronto. I just want to share what a great person he was for second. I was only 14 years old when I stayed at the Purewal residence as my family and I were attending his sons (Aman) wedding. Everyone was taking family pictures and he still came to me to take a picture as to not leave me out. Always humble and a great person. You will be missed.