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William John Purnell , Jr. Veteran
January 30, 2023

Obituary


William John Purnell, Jr. 88, of Franklin died January 30 at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro following a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Judith (Bennett) Purnell who died in 2015.

Born in East Boston, September 30, 1934, the son of the late William J. and Mildred (Hanson) Purnell, Mr. Purnell was raised in Roxbury and had lived in Roslindale for many years prior to coming to Franklin 20 years ago.

Bill had been a warehouseman at the Sears & Roebuck store in the Fenway area of Boston for many years before retiring.

He enjoyed music, especially Elvis and also making videos of family and friends’ important events.

Bill served in the Army during the late 1950’s.

He is survived by his son William J. Purnell III and his wife Donna (Masotta) Purnell of Medway.

He is also survived by his siblings, John Purnell of Avon, Larry Purnell of Stoughton, Mildred “Sissy’ Dunn of Hingham and Mary Kane of Roslindale. He was the brother of the late Frank Purnell.

Bill, better known as “Dede”, is also survived by his grandchildren, Nicole Daniels and her husband Chris of Northborough, Kristin Purnell of Brookline and Michael Purnell of Medway and his great-grandchildren, Cameron and Cassie Daniels.

His funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 7 in St. Mary’s Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Calling hours will be on Monday from 4-7 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com)131 Main Street, Franklin.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline, Ave, Boston, MA. 02215.

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Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin
131 Main Street
Franklin, MA 02038
508-528-1045