John C. "Jack" Purcell

The Purcell family announces the passing of John C. “Jack” Purcell, Jr. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.  While our hearts are heavy sharing this news and we already miss him so much, we’re comforted knowing that our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend is now peacefully at rest after a multi-year struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

Jack was born on March 9, 1949, in Phoenixville, PA and lived his entire life in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  He graduated from St. Pius X High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from DeSales University.  Jack’s career in commercial real estate spanned nearly five decades and he took great pride in the community in which he lived, serving on the board of the Phoenixville Area Economic Development Corporation and being an active member of St. Basil the Great Parish for 45 years.

A lifelong sports fan, Jack’s love for his favorite Philadelphia professional teams was superseded only by his passion for encouraging and cheering on his children in their athletic endeavors.  He rarely missed a game and was often at the ready with a nudge of encouragement or advice.   More recently, “Pop Pop” took great pride in following his grandchildren’s little victories on the soccer field and basketball court.  Jack always prioritized his family above all else.

In the final chapter of his life where mobility was increasingly hard to come by, Jack enjoyed several family beach trips, attended elementary school Grandparent Day events, caught an epic Van Morrison concert (one of his favorite musicians), enjoyed the companionship of close friends for long Sunday afternoon conversations, basked in the sun of a late fall Phillies game with his wife, and held tight to all of his children and grandchildren under one roof during the holiday season.       

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Lorraine Claire (O’Connell) Purcell; his four children, Jack Purcell (McNeely) of Charlotte, NC; Brian Purcell (Jennifer) of Charlotte, NC; Julia Purcell Milano (Cal) of Nashville, TN; and Rob Purcell of Philadelphia, PA; his sister, Helen Marie Weininger (Paul); a spirited group of nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law; and, his six lively grandchildren: Thompson, Harp, Bennett, Ellen, Murray and Sutton.  Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John C. and Helen Purcell.

All are welcome to attend a visitation from 9:30 to 11:15 followed by an 11:30 funeral service to celebrate Jack’s life at St. Basil the Great church on Friday morning, February 2, 2024.  The church’s address is 2330 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460.  A private burial service will be held at St. Ann Cemetery following the church service.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in support of the work being done by its Center for Childhood Cancer Research.