Richard A. Purcell, Jr. passed away Tuesday morning, September 24, at Crouse Hospital after a long illness at the age of 65. Rich grew up in the Valley and was a graduate of Central High School. He was a member of Holy Cross Church in DeWitt and former member of St. James Church in the Valley. He was the founder of Purcell’s Wallpaper & Paint, where he worked for more than 40 years. Rich was well loved among his co-workers and customers alike. When not at work, Rich could undoubtedly be found enjoying a beautiful day outdoors. His recreational favorites included hiking, basketball, snowmobiling, biking, broomball, going out for coffee (which, at many local roasters, resulted in an espresso beverage named after him), and swimming in Skaneateles Lake. Rich truly lived in the moment and deeply loved his family.
Rich is predeceased by his father, Richard Purcell, Sr.; his mother, Nancy C. Schattner; and his sister, Kathleen Merluzzi.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lopez Purcell; sons, Richard III, Christopher, Nicholas, James and Matthew; daughters, Kelley Purcell Teeter, Jenna, and Katherine; seven grandchildren; brothers, Steve, Thomas (Joann), and John (Helen); sisters, Lynn (Tony) Marinelli and Susan (Ziva) Popov; step-father, Robert Schattner; step-mother, Barbara Purcell; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, step-siblings and cousins.
Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, September 27 at Eaton-Tubbs Fayetteville Chapel, 7191 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. The funeral Mass will be at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 28 at Our Lady of Hope Church, 4845 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Burial will be in Onondaga Valley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to GBS/CIDP Foundation International, 375 East Elm St., Suite 101, Conshohoken, PA 19428, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, 750 E. Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13210.