Robert Purcell Sr.

Robert J. Purcell Sr.

Robert J. Purcell Sr. 88, of Union passed away on Sunday Dec. 11, 2016

at Morristown Memorial Medical Center.

The funeral will be from the Galante Funeral Home 2800 Morris Ave. Union, NJ on Friday at 8:15 am. The funeral mass will be in St. James Church in Springfield, NJ at 9:30 am. The interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East. Hanover, NJ. Visitation will be on Thursday from 3-8  PM.

Born in Newark, he lived in Union for 54 years.  Bob served in the U.S. Army and was a wounded combat veteran of the Korean War.  He served with the 5th Regimental Combat Team. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantrymen Badge after being wounded in combat during his tour of duty. After spending six months recovering in a hospital in Japan he returned to Korea to complete his tour of duty.

Upon completing his military service he joined the Newark Police Department in 1956 where he proudly served for 34 years retiring in 1990 after attaining the rank of Sergeant.

He was assigned to the East District, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Strike Force, the South District and his last assignment was in the Narcotics Squad.

Bob was also a daily communicant, an accolyte and an active member of St. James Church, Springfield, where he served as an usher and past president of the Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Springfield Knights of Columbus Council # 5560, a life member of the Newark Police V.F.W. Post 1439, a life member of the Disabled Veterans of America

Irwin D. Harris Post 40 and the American Legion Post 30, Union, NJ.

Bob was married to Mary Lou McTeigue- Purcell for the last 6 years, and the late Lucille (nee Bonuomo) Purcell.  He is the father of Robert J. Purcell Jr. and his wife Patricia, Lorrie Purcell-Williamson and her husband Ray, and James A. Purcell and his wife Melissa. He is the brother of the late Andrew Purcell and Frances Cashill, and is the grandfather of Nicole Inverno, Kristy Pagano, Jennifer Freese, Christopher Purcell, Raymond Williamson, and Mackenzie Purcell.

He is also survived by five stepchildren, Kevin, Michael, and Timothy McTeigue, Colleen Vaughn, and Mary Ellen Lavin, as well as ten step grandchildren, and five step great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers that