Donald J. Purcell

Donald J. Purcell, 85, resident of Hollis, NH, died November 22, 2008 as a result of a fire in his home.� He was born in Queens, New York on September 9, 1923, a son of Walter & Jane (Swan) Purcell.� A resident of Hollis, NH for the past 8 years, he formerly lived in Long Island, NY for most of his life.� He was a graduate of Queens College and earned his Masters Degree from New York University and did his post-graduate studies at Cornell University.� Mr. Purcell was the Director of Special Education and later became the Assistant Superintendent for East Islip School District, Long Island, NY for many years. � He was an avid world traveler and enjoyed the many trips that he shared with his wife.� In addition, Mr. Purcell was a voracious reader and had a keen interest in ham radio.� Mr. Purcell was a member of The Church of Our Saviour, Milford.� He was a U.S. Army veteran having served during World War II.� He was predeceased by his wife, Florence E. (Tierney) Purcell, who died in 2006 and a grandson, Jerry Schwers, who died in 2005.� Family members include a daughter and son-in-law, Marianne & Russell Schwers of Hollis, NH; two sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth & Kathy Purcell of Boiling Springs, PA, Thomas & Vickie Purcell of Northwood, NH; four grandchildren, Ryan Schwers, Annabelle Purcell, Ali Purcell and Caroline Purcell; a sister, Jane Collins of Palm Springs, CA; several nieces and nephews.����� Memorial visiting hours are Sunday, November 30th from 4:00-7:00 pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH.� A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 1st at 10:00 am in the Church of Our Saviour, 10 Amherst Street, Milford.� Burial will be in East Cemetery, Hollis, NH, at a later date.�