John Purcell Obituary
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John was born on March 24, 1941 in Cooperstown, the son of the late Temple A. and Mary Walsh Purcell. He was raised and educated in Richfield Springs. After high school John joined the United States Air Force proudly serving our Nation from 1960-1964. He was stationed at Lowry Air Force in Colorado where he met and married the love of his life, Marilyn Potts on September 18, 1964 in Denver, CO. A blessed union of sixty-one years. John was a devoted employee of Remington Arms in Ilion NY for 38 years prior to his retirement in 2002.
John always enjoyed working on cars and small engine repairs. There was nothing he could not fix. He was an avid hunter, enjoyed vegetable gardening, he was also known for gunsmithing. He enjoyed taking the dogs for a daily ride in the truck, often traveling the same route, waiving to neighbors along the way. John held memberships with Adirondack Post 1118, American Legion in Cold Brook, West Winfield VFW Post 2338 and the Richfield Springs Vets Club.
He was not a man of many words, but was a friend to many, and will never be forgotten,
Surviving him is his wife of 61 years Marilyn Purcell, his son Michael Purcell and his companion Kate of Richfield Springs, his daughter Ann Marie Rollins and her husband Rick of Edmeston, two grandsons - Dylan Rollins and his wife Morgan of Edmeston, Derek Rollins and his wife Kallie of West Exeter and their son, his great-grandson, Kolter Jon Rollins, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by three sisters; Mary Ann (Teddy)Sutton, Helen Louise Purcell and Patricia E. Chase.
Calling hours for Mr. Purcell will be Monday 11/3 from 5:00-7:00 pm in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Inc. 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Tuesday 11/4 @ 11:00 am in St. Joseph Cemetery, Richfield Springs with the Reverend Brian Lehnert, officiating. Following the graveside services, a remembrance gathering will be held starting at noon at the Richfield Springs VFW. All are welcome.
Expressions of sympathy may be made with donations to the Richfield Springs Volunteer Fire Department/Ambulance Services.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of John L. Purcell, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
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3 Entries
Karen Bloomfield
Yesterday
I wish you comfort and strength I will always remember John especially the time he and Ken went hunting.. you called and told me he fell asleep in the tub. They were both exhausted.. I always think of you both. John was so special.
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Bob Klippel
November 3, 2025
Deepest condolences over the passing of John, from a fellow Remington retiree. I remember him from the assembly areas.
Deb Whipple
October 31, 2025
My sincere condolences to all of the family & beyond. He was a man of few words, but they were of great importance, usually!! He was a good man & will be missed by many
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40 W James St, Richfield Springs, NY 13439
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