Edward E. Purcell, Jr.
January 29, 1924 ~ January 4, 2011
Edward E. Purcell, Jr.
(Age 86)
Of Vienna, VA died on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at his residence. Loving husband of 60 years to Anne Purcell. Devoted father of Edward E. Purcell, III, Rita Purcell-Robertson (Norman), Anne P. Clark (John), Patrick J. Purcell (Janita), Daniel F. Purcell, Sr. (Jennifer), and Michael E. Purcell (Margaret). He is also survived by his siblings Robert C. Purcell (Mildred) and Margaret A. Greenwell, 12 grandchildren Katrina (Timothy), Daniel Jr. (Rachel), Ashley, Patrick, Patricia, John, Sean, Nicholas, Lindsey, Casey, Jaimee, and Natalie; 2 great-grandchildren, Matthew and Louis Edward, cherished by Janice and Philip Nylin.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests Memorial Contributions be made to the Vienna Fire Department Fund Drive, 400 Center Street, Vienna, VA 22180.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
(Age 86)
Of Vienna, VA died on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at his residence. Loving husband of 60 years to Anne Purcell. Devoted father of Edward E. Purcell, III, Rita Purcell-Robertson (Norman), Anne P. Clark (John), Patrick J. Purcell (Janita), Daniel F. Purcell, Sr. (Jennifer), and Michael E. Purcell (Margaret). He is also survived by his siblings Robert C. Purcell (Mildred) and Margaret A. Greenwell, 12 grandchildren Katrina (Timothy), Daniel Jr. (Rachel), Ashley, Patrick, Patricia, John, Sean, Nicholas, Lindsey, Casey, Jaimee, and Natalie; 2 great-grandchildren, Matthew and Louis Edward, cherished by Janice and Philip Nylin.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests Memorial Contributions be made to the Vienna Fire Department Fund Drive, 400 Center Street, Vienna, VA 22180.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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As we comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens. To the best Father-in-law that anyone could ask for. Love you Dad
As we comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens. To the best Father-in-law that anyone could ask for. Love you Dad
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ed for 3 years. From the minute I got “his” mailroute, he instantly became a favorite of mine. He immediately told me when/how he’d like his mail delivered! My days were always better after seeing Ed. He went into work daily and even came in during the last snow we had. He helped make my day brighter with his smile and jokes. I will miss his stories about his ROMEO lunches and days in the USMC (my husband is a retired Marine). What an awesome man! ~Rebecca
Although I never met Mr. Purcell I can tell he was a loving sweet man (by knowing Rita). My sincere condolences to the Purcell. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Rita, I am thinking of you and saying a prayer for you as you endure the sorrow you are experiencing. I know tha at any age, the lost of your Dad is heart-breaking. My thoughts are with you and your family. Beth
Dearest Purcell Family, My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. What a blessing that he had such a lovely final day. I wish could be at his service, but I will be thinking of all of you with love from across many miles. Kind Regards, Carrianna Scott
Dear Purcell family: My sincere condolences to your amazing family as you honor Edward Purcell, Jr– a wonderful father, husband, grandfather–I wish I had met him–I have, however, been a longtime friend of his son, Eddie Purcell III, who’s great love and enthusiasm for life and people lights up Washington DC and touches the heart of everyone he meets–I’m certain that beautiful spirit was fostered by his Dad—may Edward’s legacy live on forever in his children and family! A friend and admirer, Jan Du Plain
What a gift to his family and community. A great life well lived and loved.
Dear Edward, we are so sorry to hear about your dad, we are delighted to know you were able to spend so much quality time with him in the sunset of his life. Sincere condolences and best thoughts from both of us for you, your mum and family at this time. Denis and Frances
Dear Rita, My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. Your remarkable enthusiasm ,vibrant spirit and active participation in so many professional and community activities is certainly a reflection of your Dad’s life and legacy. I know he must have been very proud of you and all you give to others. He is at peace now and will continue to guide you in a special way.Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With all my most heartfelt sympathy and love,
I feel like I have just lost my best friend. Ed was a kind and loving gental giant. He was a man on a mission. He never stopped doing for others. God bless you Ed.
Aunt Anne, Eddie, Rita, Anne, Patrick, Daniel and Michael, and all the other members of the Edward E. Purcell, Jr. Family, I was in shock to hear about the sudden death of Uncle Ed. It has been in recent years that I really got to know him and see what a wonderful, caring, loving, and sensitive man he was. Lou and I are thankful that we got to spend some time with him in recent years. He will truly be missed by both of us and forever remembered in our hearts. Love to all of you, Margy and Lou
Aunt Anne, Eddie, Rita, Anne, Patrick, Daniel and Michael, and all the other members of the Edward E. Purcell, Jr. Family, I was in shock to hear about the sudden death of Uncle Ed. It has been in recent years that I really got to know him and see what a wonderful, caring, loving, and sensitive man he was. Lou and I are thankful that we got to spend some time with him in recent years. He will truly be missed by both of us and forever remembered in our hearts. Love to all of you, Margy and Lou
How wonderful that you had the opportunity to enjoy your father so long. Met him at the Arts Club and he had the charm and intelligence that his kids inherited. What a great legacy, memories of the kindest, warmest, most loving family I had the pleasure to know. My condolences to Rita and Edward and the rest of the family. A special man and a special family.
It’s been an honor to love and be loved by Uncle Ed.Sending love to all of you from our whole family. We all have wonderful memories. Bless your hearts.
Dear Aunt Anne and family, We were very saddened to hear about Uncle Ed’s passing. He was a great man. We will miss his humor and willingness to lend a hand. He was always a great “big brother” to my father and all of us in the family. Love, Rob and Mary Purcell and Family
Dearest Purcell Family, Not a day goes by without the fond memeories of your wonderful family. From High School years with Rita & Anne, our 20th High School Reunion and Larry & Rita’s Wedding. Your Dad was so Fun & Loving. Joking with me, calling me “Ace”, picking me up at the airport for Rita’s Wedding and all the times in between. The World is Blessed by the branches of your Family Tree that began with the roots of you Dad & Mom. My Love to All!
Mrs. Purcell, and family, Im truly sorry to hear about Mr. Purcells passing. Through Rita and Eddies eyes and my own experiences, I remember Mr. Purcell as a dedicated family man with a rock solid work ethic. Eddie, Rita, Anne, Patrick, Daniel, and Michael, from what I know of your father, there is little doubt about his expectations for you in the future: take care of your mother, take care of each other, take care of your respective families, work hard, and find something worthwhile about which you can be passionate. Adios.
I was very sad to hear the news of your fathe’s passing. Surely, he will be missed.
Anne, We are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Your family has always been so close and your Dad and Mom were always the loving center of the family. Our love, thoughts and prayers will be with you, your Mom and the rest of the family.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. I wish you and your family strength during this most difficult time and the love of family and friends to comfort you. It is my hope that as time passes your sorrow can be lessened and you will be able to recall loving memories of your father with peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Pat and Family: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad! I hope during the next few days you can find time to share memories and laughters of his legacy here on earth. He is in a great place now with all of his Vienna friends. Peace be with you all. God Bless.
Rita, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of you father. I’m sure that this must be a sad time for you and your family. Please take strength from your happy memories and life lessons that you will always have from him.
Rita ~ I just heard about your father’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May memories of your father’s love and life comfort you during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Mary Kay Anderson
Edward, to you, your mother, your brothers and sisters and extended family, George and I offer our sincere condolences and prayers. We only met your dad once, at the party at the Arts Club of Washington. At that event it was very obvious how proud he was of you and his entire family. We will keep you all in our prayers as you morn the loss of your dad.
Rita- What a blessing to have had such a good man as a father. May the wonderful memories give you sustenance during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Rita, Please accept our deepest sympathy regarding the loss of your father. I know that you will always miss him, however, I also know that a part of him will always be with you and your family. What a wonderful legacy he has left you. He truly was a God-fearing man who loved and served his family and community until the very end of his life. God bless all of you at this time. Curtis and Abby Taylor
How do we recover from such a devastating loss? By living the way Dad did. Love your God, your country, and your family. Behave such that anyone’s day is better once they meet you. Thanks for the lessons Dad, I’ll do my best to live as your son.
Dear Ed: Please accept our deepest condolences on the death of your father. I met him many years ago, and was very impressed by him. Extend my sympathy to all your family members.
We are very sorry for your loss and we will keep you in our prayers. Tom and Rose Oravec
so sorry for your loss.I never met him but I know from Ann what a wonderful man he was.I know how much you will miss him. you and your family will be in our prayers love evelyn and rory
Dear Purcell family, though we do not know you well, we have all come to love our Sunday breakfast encounters with the Purcell family! The banter between Mr. P and my dad has been priceless, as the two of them seem cut from similar molds. Hold one another close in your time of sorrow, and know you are loved. Rest in peace sweet prince. Patti and Harry
Dear Purcells and loved ones – Our hearts are heavy for you all. What a wonderful family — thanks to your wonderful parents! Ed and I are thinking of you all & so sorry we can’t be there with you. All our love – JoAnne and Ed Phipps
Ed Purcell: What a great man! He knew and lived the values of service to God, country, community, and family. Ed was one of the men who helped me grow from naive teenaged junior firefighter to become a decent adult and an officer in the fire department. Ed was the greatest fire department treasurer I have ever encountered, and the Vienna VFD owes its record of fiscal strength, responsible stewardship, and reputation to his performance in that job. I also knew Ed as an excellent and skilled engine driver. He was quite comfortable and capable behind the wheel of any fire engine Vienna ever owned, and he drove me quickly and safely to many calls during the 14 years I served at Vienna. I will never forget him, and I hope Vienna’s firefighters and residents never will either!
To the Purcell family sorry to hear about your lose Mr.Purcell was a great man everyone at Bob Evens loved him staff and all. you will be miss
Dear Mrs. Purcell, Rita & Larry, Anne, Eddie, Mike, Daniel, and Patrick, Your Dad left so much for all of you in the way he lived his life everyday…helping people, making someone’s life better, and loving his family. We pray that your faith and love will sustain you throughout this difficult time, knowing that your Dad will live in your hearts forever, and in the way you carry on his good will. Blessings and Love to All of You
To the dearest father-in-law anyone could ever ask for. Papa, Great Papa without hair, or Purcelleni – all names that you answered to. You were the Patriarch of your clan not because you deserved it as the head but because you earned everyones respect with your character. I have tossed the last few nights trying to figure out what to say but there really aren’t any words. You lived a full life and I am so happy to have known and loved you. I see you in my husband almost everyday. I see you in my children and even my oldest grandson. Matthew will have fond memories of goofing with Purcelleni better known as Great-Papa without hair! We’ll all continue to do our best to make you proud, sport. With love and admiration, your daughter-in-law.
I have not slept or eaten well in nearly a week. I know Dad would be saying, “you have to move on and raise your family.” I will, Dad, and I hope it will be as well as you did. I will keep my volunteer committments (Usher at Mass, Knights of Columbus, etc.) because “givers gain.” PTI Communications was your home for 22 years and we would not have survived without your help. I cannot cry anymore…I am going to celebrate your life and pattern mine after yours. Love you Dad.
Dear Purcell Family, May the many fond and loving memories help you through this difficult time – my thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeff Knight
We are so saddened by your loss. We feel priviledged to have known Edward and his family through Mike’s marriage to our niece, Peggy. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Edward and Rita, I am so sorry for you, your mother and the rest of your family’s loss. Your father sounded like such an amazing man who raised an amazing family. Please know you are in my prayers. much love, Nancy Hacskaylo
We offer our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of an amazing man. We feel so blessed to have been able to have shared in fond memory-making moments. He will truly be missed and never forgotten. Love and prayers for all.
mike and pat and the rest of the purcell family, my deepest sympathy to you all. Mr. Purcell was a great guy, always had a smile on his face, i will never forget that. Rest assured he is in God’s Kingdom rejoiceing with the angels. God Bless Mr. Purcell
Bob and Mildred, I am so sorry to read of Ed’s passing. Your brother was a nice man and could be very funny at times! Take care of yourselves and family and remember me to Margaret, my classmate at St.Anthony’s. This past year has seen so many people leave us; God keep us in your arms. Love, Rose Mary Boteler McAleer
So many great memories of a wonderful man. I’m so glad to have known him and to know that I’ll see him always in the lives of his children and grandchildren.
Anne and John We were very saddened to hear about the passing of Your father. He touched so many lives. He truly will be missed. Jackie and Mike Clark
John and Ann, We want to share our condolences and pray that God will comfort you in your loss. From what I hear your father was a great man and will certainly be missed. We’ll keep your mom in our prayers as well. Sincerely, James and Marilyn
Anne, Know that you are in my prayers at this trying time. Deb
Anne, We send heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. You are in our prayers.
My prayers are with your family. Look to God to be your comforter.
Anne et al, Sorry to hear of your loss. I know it doesn’t feel good now but later knowing your father didn’t suffer will be some consolation. My mom went very suddenly so I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to her. My dad lingered a while so I arranged all his friends I could find to come by and say their goodbyes. I miss them both terribly.
My brother Charlie was a volunteer at VVFD and I was a “hang around” 12 yr. old kid. Mr. Purcell would show me different things on the fire trucks and let me wipe them down when they got back from a run. I’m sure I was in the way a lot of times but he never showed it. R.I.P. Sir.
To all of Ed’s family which I see is quite large! I was a member at VVFD from 1965 thru 1978 when i got married & moved away. I remember all the children & where the family lived in Vienna. I remember when Ed had some wild ducks in his yard & Anne would use their eggs in making cakes etc. One of Ed’s favorite sayings was when some acted stupid, Gezzy pezzy and he would say for cripes sake & until I asked him I thought he was saying Christ Sake but Ed would not use that as his feelings for his religion it would not be proper. We rode the ambulance many times together, I was Asst & Secretary for VVFD & Sgt of the Rescue Squad during my time there as well. I remember Ed was a proud Marine, & a good regligious man as well. I did not realize he was so much older than me, I am now 64 & my own mother would have been 91 this year she passed away in 1995. Best to all of his family & sorry this is so late I just joined FaceBook last month. My very best William H. Fogerty III (Bill)