Thomas Purcell, Jr.

Thomas M . Purcell , Jr . 70, of Wakefield, died on Sunday, January 12 at his home.

Born in White Plains, NY on June 22, 1943 he was the son of the late Thomas M . and Elizabeth (Quinlan) Purcell .

Tom was a dedicated public employee for over 20 years in the Town of Wakefield. He served with the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier for 3 years and then as a Wakefield Firefighter over the next two decades during "heyday" of the department from 1969 thru 1985. He loved the fire service, the camaraderie, dedication, commitment and brotherhood that went along with helping and caring for the people in the town that he grew up in. He was a past President of the Wakefield Firefighters Union Local 1478. Two of his sons, Tom and Brian, proudly followed their father into the fire service both currently serving as Officers on the Wakefield Fire Department.

The Purcell family moved to Wakefield, settling at 16 Forrester Road in 1949 when Tom was six years old. Tom Sr. was a Senior Baker at Stop & Shop Bakeries. Tom and his two older sister's Helen and Mary attended St. Joseph's School and Wakefield High School.

Tom enjoyed all sports in general, especially football, hockey and baseball. He was a fine athlete – a centerfielder, quarterback and center iceman in his youth and at Wakefield High School. He very much enjoyed golfing during his retirement years and special times relaxing at the beach in the sun. He could often be found at a local ball-park on a warm summer's eve taking in a baseball game and enjoying good company. Tom also enjoyed reading a good biography in his spare time. Tom coached Babe Ruth baseball and was a constant at his three sons, Tom, Dave and Brian, many sporting events.

An avid sports fan, Tom loved the local sports scene and would spend each morning devouring the sports pages. The Sox, Bruins, Pats, Celts, golf and college hockey…he loved them all. He was a Bruins season ticket holder for many years in the sixties. He could recite the box score of the Sox game from the evening before while he was opening the door for you. Tom was also a great supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and faithfully attended many walks and events in honor and support of his granddaughter Julia.

Without question Tom's greatest love was watching his grandchildren perform on the various playing fields. He was devoted to supporting each and every one of his 10 grandchildren whether it was baseball, softball, hockey, basketball, soccer, track or dance…he was often found on the sidelines smiling and cheering each and every one of them on with words of encouragement and beaming with pride. Loyal as the day is long, always quick with a kind word and enduring support, Tom never missed a game.

Tom Purcell always had a smile and a kind word for each and every person he encountered. He lived his life at his own gentle pace and was always the first in line to lend a hand…no matter the situation. Tom was a peaceful man who lived a peaceful existence with a genuinely kind heart. He was loved, he will be greatly missed, and the light of his spirit will continue to shine on through his family and friends.

Tom was the husband of Jackie (Breslin) and former wife Diane (Sava) Purcell . He was the father of Thomas M . Purcell III and his wife Andrea of Wakefield, David R. Purcell and his wife Christine of Danvers, Brian S. Purcell and his wife Aimee of Wakefield, and Nicole Feudo of Peabody. He was the brother of Helen Sheeran and her husband Frank of Woburn and the late Mary Nee and her husband Joe. He was the grandfather of Taylor, Julia, Hannah, Allee, Ryan, Ashlee, Katherine, Brian Jr ., Steven and Christy.

His funeral will be held from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Thursday at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass in St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield at 10 o'clock. A visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 3-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be to Julia's Angels C/O Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 220 N. Main St., Suite 104, Natick, MA 01760.

Read Thomas Purcell , Jr .'s Obituary and Guestbook on www.mcdonaldfs.com.

Visitation

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave.
Wakefield , MA US 01880
Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Service

St. Joseph Church
173 Albion Street
Wakefield , MA US 01880
Thursday, January 16, 2014, 10:00 AM