Richard N. Purnell, Jr., 50, of Dorrance passed away Monday afternoon, December 5, 2016 at Wilkes Barre General after a yearlong battle with cancer.
Born in Wilkes Barre on April 28, 1966, he was the son of late Sandra Lee (Monoskey) Miles; and Richard N. Purnell, Sr. of Las Vegas. He was a graduate of Crestwood High School. He was employed at Asplundh as a foreman and tree trimmer, and later, other local companies. Most recently, he worked as a manager at F & L Gutters in Hazleton.
Rich was a member of St. Mary’s Our Lady Help of Christians, Dorrance. He liked fishing and grilling. He loved spending time with his wife and children and was very talented at construction work. He enjoyed building things that provided comfort for his family. His family is content knowing his legend lives on in what surrounds them. He had a caring heart and always made time for family, friends and his pets.
In addition to his loving wife of 25 years, Mary Lou (Evancho) Purnell, he will be greatly missed by his son, Tyler Purnell, Scranton; daughter, Candice Purnell, at home; parents-in-law, Edward and Susan Evancho, Slocum; sisters-in-law, Michelle Koreny and husband Andrew, Dorrance; Melissa Webby and husband John, Slocum; brother-in-law, Edward Evancho and husband, Dimos Grigoropoulos, New York; brother-in-law, Mark Evancho, Mountain Top; nieces and nephews, Logan and Matthew Koreny; Michael Grigoropoulos; Christopher Dotzel and fiancé, Lindsey Whitebread; John Webby and wife, Kimberly, Bella and John; and Jesse and Casey Evancho. He is also survived by a sister, Tammy Purnell, Exeter; several aunts and uncles, and many cousins.
A viewing will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, December 9th at Heller Funeral Home, LLC, 633 East Third Street, Nescopeck.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 10th St. Mary’s Church, 3529 St. Mary’s Road, Dorrance Twp. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Anyone attending the mass can go directly to the church.
Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to the Medical Oncology Prescription Fund at Medical Oncology Associates, 382 Pierce Street, Kingston, PA 18704.
Online messages of comfort can be sent to condolences@hellerfuneral.com