Obituary of Richard A. Purcell, Sr.

Richard August “Dick”/“Pa” Purcell, Sr., 89 of Troy, formerly of Brunswick, peacefully entered into eternal life at home, surrounded by and in the loving comfort and care of his family on Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Born in Troy, he was the son of the late Richard T. and Margaret M. “G.G.” Goebel Purcell and the beloved husband for 58 years of Sally A. Gannon Purcell, who passed on April 19, 2015. Dick was a graduate of School #18 in Sycaway, Catholic Central High School, Class of 1951 and Siena College, Class of 1956, where he earned his B.B.A.

Mr. Purcell retired from The Arrow Shirt Co. Division of Cluett, Peabody & Co. in Troy where he had been Human Resource Manager until it’s closing in 1989 and was previously the Human Resources Director for Sheridan Catheter Co. in Argyle.

For over 70 years, Dick was a communicant of Our Lady of Victory Church, where he served as an Altar Boy, on the Building Committee of the new church, as a Past Trustee, member of the Finance Committee and an Honorary Life Member of their Knights of Columbus Chapter. He was also a member of the Troy Senior Citizens, the Brunswick Elks, Board Member of CDPHP, Chairman of the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce, Manager and President of Brunswick Little League and Manager at Brunswick Independent Baseball League. He also served as Education Committee Chairman of the American Apparel Manufacturers Association (AAMA). Dick was an avid fan and season ticket holder of both Siena Basketball for nearly 50 years and RPI Hockey for over 25 years and was a New York Yankees fan since 1942.

Devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather of Erin A. (Michael Marvell) Purcell of Niskayuna and their children Casey (fiancée Casey Fenton) Marvell and Tarah Purcell (Jamie) Burns, their daughter and Dick’s great granddaughter Ruairi A. Burns; Richard A. (Robin) Purcell, Jr. of Reedsville, PA, their son Matthew A. (Jessica) Purcell who’s son, Dick’s great grandson, the late Tristen A. Purcell and their second son, the late Christopher R. Purcell, who is survived by his son, Dick’s great grandson Cameron M. Purcell; Commander Terence S. Purcell, USN. Ret. of LeMoyne, PA and his children Timothy J., T. Sean (Sarah), Kieran C. (Jamie) and Ryan Purcell; and Timothy S. (Deidre) Purcell of Clifton Park and their children Corey S. and Madison L. Purcell; brother of Thomas E. (Rosemary) Purcell of Mokena, IL, Colleen T. Purcell of Troy and the late Greta M. (Dennis K. of Perrysburg, OH) Barrett, also survived by his dear companion Carol Audette, several nieces and nephews and dear friends, Brenda Williams, Maggie Rutolo and John Owens.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours at Our Lady of Victory Church, 55 North Lake Ave, Troy, NY 12180 on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and to Dick’s Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at the Church on Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. The Funeral Mass will be available for those not able to be present by joining the link below at:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88018901891?pwd=UWxHUE9jb253eFAya2RaYk5pTWVldz09
 

Meeting ID: 880 1890 1891
Passcode: 0565   

Interment will be held in St. Peter's Cemetery, Troy.

Dick’s family would like to offer special recognition and their sincere thanks to his sister Colleen for her genuine loving care and company which she provided him with for the past 8 years. The Purcell Family would also like to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Robert Benton, Landmark Services, Troy Fire Department paramedics and to the Community Hospice staff for the loving care that was provided to Dick and his family.

Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to Our Lady of Victory Church (address above) or to Community Hospice, 295 Valleyview Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Morris-Stebbins-Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home, 312 Hoosick Street, Troy, New York 12180. Phone (518) 272-3930

Please express on-line Condolences or view the Memorial Video by using those tabs on this page.