Tony Purcell

1946 - 2017

Tony Purcell
Nov. 15, 1946 - Sep. 26, 2017
40 Year Resident of Boulder Creek
Tony Purcell was born in Inglewood, California. He spent his childhood in Akron, Ohio in the loving home of his uncle and aunt, Harold and Edna Sharp, and his cousin Rosemary. He had many extended family members, including his grandmother, and he enjoyed their frequent picnics and social gatherings. As a teenager, he joined his father, Frank Purcell, in Southern California where he learned to surf and play the guitar. After high school, Tony joined the Navy and was stationed in Guam on the USS Proteus and in Vietnam aboard the USS Luzerene LST. He was on the Dean's List at San Jose State University and graduated with a B.A. in Art. In 1972, he married Suzanne Kieler. They settled in Boulder Creek where they raised two sons, Taylor and Kenton Purcell.
Tony worked in the aerospace industry including Lockheed and NASA, where he was part of the centrifuge team. Tony enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, fishing and surfing. He was very artistic. He enjoyed print making, ceramics and creating Halloween costumes for the family. He was a member of Boulder Creek Community Church where he played bass in the worship band. Tony is survived by Suzanne, his wife of 45 years, his sons Taylor and Kenton, his daughter-in-laws Julie and Joanie, and by his two grandchildren Malia and Auston, whom he loved very much.
A memorial service will be held at Boulder Creek Community Church on Saturday, October 14th at 2:00. Contributions to Hospice of Santa Cruz can be sent to their Scotts Valley office, 940 Disc Drive.


View the online memorial for Tony Purcell