Joseph F. Purcella, Jr., 90, of Hollywood, FL formerly of Marlen Drive, North Haven passed away Sunday, February 12, 2012 at the Kindred Hospital, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He was the husband of the late Claire Maturo Purcella. Born in Derby on April 10, 1921; son of the late Joseph F. and Elizabeth Purcella, Sr. He had served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant during WW II and had worked for the former Armstrong Rubber Company for many years until his retirement. Father of Claire Rohloff and her friend Phillip Edwards and Joseph F. Purcella III. Grandfather of Melissa (Alphonse) Jacques. Great-grandfather of Matthew Joseph Jacques. Brother of Irene Wheeler and the late Alice Workman. Brother-in-law of Alice Keeny. Best Friend of Tony. Also survived by several nieces & nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted in the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue Friday morning at 10:00. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery.
I WAS SADDEN TO LEARN OF JOE’S DEATH. HE WAS A KIND MAN. I KNOW HIS SON AND DAUGHTER AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WILL MISS HIM. HE IS WITH HIS LOVELY WIFE, CLAIR, NOW.
BILL SLOMAN
I was a childhood friend of Claire. I remember walking to her house and her parents were always so inviting. I don’t remember a lot but I do remember that they had a Great Dane named Cleo. That was the biggest dog I had ever seen! Although it was more than 40 years ago my love for the family still is strong. I am sending my love to Claire, her brother Joe and the rest of the family. May you be surrounded by love from friends and family during this time.
Our thoughts are with all of the Purcella family .Uncle Joe was always a source of happiness for me growing up and visiting North Haven with my cousins Love Dave Wheeler