John J. Purcell

 

John J. Purcell, 93, of Monticello, Indiana, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Honor Health Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona.

He was born on November 24, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Edward and Anna (Kelly) Purcell. Seven siblings preceded him in death, including Bernard, Ed, Dolores Purcell Zitnik, Norbert, Ken, Bob, and Mary Audrey. On June 6, 1964, John married the love of his life, Barbara, in Wayzata, Minnesota.

John was a graduate of Fenwick High School in Illinois. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). On hiatus from IIT, John was drafted into the Army where he taught engineering to fellow servicemen. After the Army, he received his master’s degree in nuclear engineering from North Carolina State. John originally worked for the Atomic Energy Commission. He spent most of his career working at Argonne National Laboratory and then later at Fermilab.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and belonged to the Kiwanis Club. John was an intellect and kept his mind sharp solving equations and puzzles including crossword, sudoku, and jigsaw. He also had a love for writing songs, singing, and playing the guitar. He and Barbara played music for Catholic Masses and at various community events. John loved his Chicago sports teams, especially his buddies who played for the Blackhawks in the 50s. And, of course, the Chicago Bears.

John was an avid athlete himself, enjoying most any sport, including golf, hockey, baseball, swimming, snow skiing, water skiing, bowling, horseback riding, and camping.

Above all this, John loved playing guitar and singing with his partner/wife, Barbara. Earlier in life, John began learning the guitar as one of the original students at the Old Town School of Folk Music. He went on to perform in the Oak Park, Illinois, concert series. John and his brother formed a duo called Those Sweet Singing Purcell Boys – who, along with Barbara, were featured performers. Their professional album, “Trains and Other Things,” showcases their musical talents. Recently, John penned a book highlighting his adventures as a musician and other interesting events of his life.

Always a Catholic, he most recently attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Reynolds, Indiana; Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Monticello, Indiana; and Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Gilbert, Arizona.

John is survived by his children, John David (Lynn) Purcell of Knoxville, Tennessee; Carolyn Purcell, of Chandler, Arizona; and Mark (Barb) Purcell, of Scottsdale, Arizona; along with grandchildren, Sean and Cori Purcell, of Knoxville, Tennessee; and sister, Betty Purcell Kurich, of Berwin, Illinois.

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, and a grandson, Ben Purcell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, April 20 at 9:45 a.m., at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church at 306 West 4th Street in Hinsdale, Illinois. The mass will be followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery will both be held in Hillside, Illinois.

John loved his grandchildren very much. He and Barbara cherished every moment with all three of them. They were deeply saddened when Ben succumbed to cancer at the young age of 5. With this in mind, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Hopekids in honor of the deceased.