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Thomas J. "Percy" Purcell

July 28, 1933 - August 11, 2022

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Obituary For Thomas J. "Percy" Purcell

Age 89, of Bethel Park, on Wednesday, August 11, 2022, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Beloved husband of 66 years to Elizabeth "Betty" (Hartner) Purcell; loving father of Kathleen (Bob) Planitzer, Kristine (Kurt) Sacco, Thomas J. Purcell, Jr., Lisa (Timothy) Swiatek, Mary (Darrell) Hyde and Jennifer (Andrew) Alexander; grandfather of Jason (Sarah), Jerrod (Jamie) and Tori Planitzer, Sarah (Matt) Potter, Elizabeth (Kurt) Couchman, Catherine (Tim) McConn, Paul Sacco, Samuel, Jacob and Anna Swiatek, Elliott, Tristan, Regan and Brennan Hyde and Aidan, Carson and Drew Alexander; great-grandfather of Emily and Claire Planitzer, Kaelyn, Madilyn and Lilian Rose Hetzler, Thorin Potter and Beatrice, Addy and Josie Couchman; son of the late Beatrice and Thomas Purcell; brother of the late Jane (Mike) Hayes; uncle of Michael and Kevin Hayes. Tom was a wonderful father, short on words, but long on actions, who demonstrated his love through the daily sacrifices he made for his family - and his unrelenting devotion to his bride of 66 years, who, he was proud to say, he knew he would marry the moment he set eyes on her in 1950. His children are proud to say he was the sweetest, most sincere, authentic, loyal and loving father a child could wish for. He was an accomplished Carrick Raiders fullback inducted into the Carrick High School Football Hall of Fame. Tom served proudly as an MP in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Sunday and Monday, August 14 and 15, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral prayer on Tuesday morning at 9:15. Mass of Christian Burial in Resurrection Parish, St. Thomas More Church at 10:00 a.m. If desired, family suggests contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memorials Processing, Memphis, TN 38105.

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Condolences

  • August 15, 2022

    Marji Wainwright

    My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Marji Wainwright

  • August 13, 2022

    Jim Vaughn

    Tom and family, I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Mr. Purcell from my baseball playing days — he made me laugh quite a few times. It's obvious he was a special man who raised a loving family. God bless you all... Jimmy Vaughn

  • August 13, 2022

    Jack Waldie

    Purcell Family, Your father, husband was quite a man! My interactions with him were all from age 11 to 15 when he coached youth baseball, and my memories of him are still so vivid. He spent time with everyone trying to get any type of incremental improvement from the kids. He no doubt did that through his life as he was blessed with a beautiful family life.... If we could all be so lucky! Godspeed Percy ( but always Mr. Purcell to me 🙂

  • August 12, 2022

    Beth Sadlek

    My deepest sympathies and prayers for my dear friend, Kristine Sacco and family. May God bless you all with strength to endure your loss. Keep the faith, and believe in Jesus Christ, and accept Him as your Lord and Savior and you will see Tom again and have eternal life! I believe Tom is with our Lord and with all his loved ones. Peace, Beth Sadlek

  • August 12, 2022

    Jan Claherty

    Dear Purcell family: We are so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a special person. May he Rest In Peace. Keep all the precious memories close and they will live with you forever. God Bless! Jan, Jack and Allie Claherty

  • August 12, 2022

    Vivienne

    Dear Tom and family, A life well lived, a person well loved. Condolences to all, Vivienne