Salem: Renald J. Purcell age 78 of Salem, died Friday, May 8, 2009 at the NSMC / Salem Hospital surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Jacqueline M. (Ouellette) Purcell with whom he had shared nearly 50 years of marriage.
Born and raised in Canada, he first met Jackie while she was visiting family in Canada. Renald moved to Salem in 1951 and the couple was married in 1953. ‘Mon Ami’ was a hard working man who was devoted to his wife, and family. He also took great delight in his many friends and co-workers and always had time to share with them.
Mr. Purcell first worked for the Boston and Maine Railroad and later for Metropolitan Building Movers which later became Quinn Brothers. For over 24 years he was employed by General Electric at the Riverworks plant as a class one licensed rigger. He retired from G.E. in 1990.
He is survived by 3 sons, Norman J. Purcell and his wife Jeanne of Salem, Donald J. Purcell and his wife Joanne of Peabody, Richard J. Purcell and his fiancée Diane Darisse both of Salem and a granddaughter Giavanna M. Purcell. He also is survived by 2 sisters, Pierrette Pelletier, Sister Therese Purcell, 2 brothers, Wallace and Pierre Purcell all of Canada, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 2 brothers, Michel & Freeman ‘Mons’ Purcell and 2 sisters Arlene & Yvette Purcell.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Rt. 114 / 1-A] Salem on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 9 a.m., to be followed by his funeral mass in St. Thomas the Apostle Church on the Salem Peabody line at 10 a.m. Visiting hours: Tuesday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1 Margin St., Peabody, MA 01960. For guestbook and additional information please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com