Obituary: ​James Lawrence Purcell, Jr., 95, of Southbury

Arrangements by Carpino Funeral Home, Southbury

James Lawrence Purcell, Jr., 95, of Southbury, CT, cherished husband of 66 years to Rosella Donohue Purcell, died on July 13, 2017. Son of the late James L. Purcell Sr. and Manta (Kanouse) Purcell, he was born and lived most of his life in Danbury before moving to Heritage Village, Southbury, CT.

He was a graduate of Danbury High School and retired as a printer with The News-Times, after a 45 year career. He enlisted in the US Army in Feb. of 1942 and served with the 645th Tank Destroyer Btln., attached to the 45th Div., in the European Theatre of Operations during World War II. He participated in 3 invasions, 5 campaigns and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and the European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Service Arrowhead.

He was an adult Boy Scout Leader with Troop 33, at St. Joseph Church in Danbury where he also served 3 terms on the Lay Board and was an usher. In Southbury, he has served as an usher at Sacred Heart Church. He was a Life Member and Past Commander of Catholic War Veterans Post 1042, a member of the VFW, the Danbury Veteran’s Council and the American Legion Post in Heritage Village.

He was also a past member of the Danbury Republican Town Committee, Exchange Club of Danbury, the Mill Plain Vol. Fire Co., and an avid duckpin bowler and golfer. Along with his wife, he is survived by his 3 children – James L. 3rd of Brookfield, Rosemary (Jim) Abdella and John M. of Southbury; 4 Grandchildren - Leandra (Mike) Pellegrino, of MA, Jim Abdella of Southbury, Erin (Greg) Demerjian of MA and Regina Abdella of MA; 2 Great Grandchildren – Brice Pellegrino and Madelyn Demerjian; In-laws Jeffrey and Barbara Donahue as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother and sister in law Thomas (Rita) Purcell, nieces Mary and Claire Reilly and In-Laws – Jeffrey and Rose Donohue, John and Doris Donohue and Rev. Joseph Donahue.

Arrangements by Carpino Funeral Home, Southbury. Memorial donations can be made to the Catholic War Veterans Post 1042 Scholarship Awards Program; 2 Shalvoys Lane, Danbury, CT 06810 or the Heritage Village Ambulance Association, PO Box 2045, Southbury, CT 06488.