The Life of James E Purcell Sr.

James E. Purcell Sr., 75, of Forestville, passed away Tuesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown.

James was born in Pottsville, on March 4, 1943, a son of the late Thomas and Frances Angelo Purcell.

He was the widower of Dorothy Reber Purcell, who died March 9, 2011. He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church and the former St. Vincent De Paul Church.

He was employed by Olenick Coal Co.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Dorothy, he was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas and William Purcell.

James is survived by a daughter, Brenda, wife of Robert Helt, Forestville; three sons, James E. Purcell Jr., Forestville, Ronald Purcell, Forestville, Brian "Boom," husband of Tanya Purcell, Mar Lin. He is also survived by four sisters, Mary, wife of Ted Polinsky, Theresa Walsh, Rhoda Weir, Rose Moyer; brothers, Vince Purcell, Frank, husband of Elizabeth Purcell, John, husband of Joanne Purcell; grandchildren, Amanda, wife of Nick Starner, Andrea Helt, Brandyn, Evan and Kailee Purcell; great-grandchildren, Cadence and Roland Starner.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Minersville, with Monsignor William Handges officiating. A visitation will be held Friday with calling hours from 6 to 10 a.m. at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. Interment will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville, is entrusted with the arrangements.