William (Bill) Purcell of the Bronx, New York, entered eternal rest on February 17, 2020 at the age of 87. Bill was born on June 6, 1932 to the late Joseph and Mary (Molly) Purcell (nee Devine). He was raised on 134th Street, Vinegar Hill as a parishioner of the Church of the Annunciation where he built many lifelong friendships.
Bill was a proud United States Army Veteran who was in combat as a machine gunner in the Korean War as part of the 45th Infantry “Thunderbird” Division for which he received a Bronze Star and Medal for Good Conduct. After the war he became one of New York City’s finest serving as a Police Officer for three years. Bill then joined his two brothers in serving as one of New York City’s Bravest as a Fire Fighter in the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). Bill’s entire 34 year FDNY career was served on Vermilyea Avenue in the Inwood section of Upper Manhattan as a proud member of Engine 95. Bill retired on the day before reaching mandatory retirement age in 1993. After retirement, Bill enjoyed many years as an active member of the William E. Irwin Jr. American Legion Post # 744 where he enjoyed spending time with fellow veterans and friends. Bill also was an lifelong and active parishioner of St John's - Visitation Parish.
Bill passed away very peacefully on Long Island where he had made many friends in a short time with his warm smile and friendly personality. Bill will be missed by so many. Bill was predeceased by his brother Joseph and Bill’s beloved friend Patsy Coyne. Bill is survived by his brother Patrick (wife Simone), his sister Mary Danklefsen (husband Albert), sister-in-law Josephine Purcell as well as nieces and nephews Joseph Purcell, Jean Marie Evringham (husband Keith), Michael Purcell, Joseph T. Purcell (wife Louise), Ann Duguid (husband George), Margaret Neville (husband Anthony) and Albert Danklefsen (wife Beth) along with many grand nieces and nephews.
Visitation at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY on Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 4 pm to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Friday. February 21, 2020 at St. John’s-Visitation Church at 3021 Kingsbridge Ave, The Bronx, NY 10463. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the William E. Irwin Jr. Post # 774 American Legion, 3035 Corlear Avenue, Bronx, New York 10463 or St. John’s Visitation Parish, 3021 Kingsbridge Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. 10463