e-mail sent to Roy Mantz by Mary Purdy:
Just a note to inform you that Harlan passed away on Feb. 17, 2011 peacefully at home among family after a long illness. Sincerely, Mary Purdy
Commander Harlan R Purdy, US Navy began his military career by enlisting as a Naval Aviation Cadet from New York in 1945. He received his designation as a Naval Aviator in 1947, ans was commissioned an Ensign in 1948 while a member of Patrol Squadron 34.
With a specialty in airborne anti-submarine warfare, Commander Purdy has served with Patrol Squadrons 34, 42, and the Staff of Commander Carrier Division 17. He spent a tour of duty at the Naval Air Facility Annapolis, MD and the Naval War College, Newport, RI.
Commander Purdy reported aboard Patrol Squadron 2 in Feb 1963 and was Training Officer and Operations Officer prior to taking over as Executive Officer in Jan 1965.
(The above was taken from a bio on the internet.)