The Life of John H. Pursell Sr.
John H. Pursell, Sr., age 72, of Topton, PA, died on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Reading Hospital of natural causes after battling with a lung disease. Born in West Portal, New Jersey, on July 4, 1950, John was the son of George and Gladys (Rittenhouse). John or "Johnny" graduated from North Hunterdon Regional High School, Annandale, New Jersey, in 1968. John was a certified diesel mechanic, mechanical draftsman, quality control inspector, and hazmat technician at many companies over the years. John was extremely proud of assisting in the clean-up of the Twin Towers after 9/11. He later furthered his education by taking classes at DeSales University. He was a member of St Mary's Catholic Church in Kutztown, PA.
John is survived by his former wife, Elaine (Allen) Caffarelli, of Fleetwood and their children John Pursell, Jr. (Angela) of Oley, Bethany J. Pursell of Laureldale, Matthew Pursell (Courtney) of Mertztown, Mark Pursell (Amy) of Blandon, Margaret "Maggie" Erb (Seth) of Mertztown as well as David (Yvette) Pursell of Blacksburg, SC, Janet "Lee" Pursell of Boiling Springs, SC from his former wife, Janet "Vickie" Norton of Barton, New York. He is also survived by a brother, William "Bill" Pursell of Edison, New Jersey. In addition, he is survived by 15 grandchildren.
John was always ready with a warm smile, a generous heart and a tale-to-tell. He'd converse with anyone about anything over a cup of coffee especially if it involved his love of his children, grandchildren, classic cars, 50's & 60's music, chocolate, penny loafers or growing up on Tunnel Road in West Portal. He defied the odds from the very beginning of life by overcoming many challenges with a great faith in God and a witty comment to make everyone laugh.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., from St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA, , with The Rev. Fr. John C. Maria, as Celebrant. Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., in the church. Interment in Bloomsbury Cemetery, Stewartsville, NJ, will be private at the convenience of the family.
Memories and Condolences may be shared at www.ludwickfh. com.
Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements.
Filter John H. Pursell Sr.'s Timeline by the following Memory Categories
2023.03.16
Best Friend
Sadden by your passing John (George). I have considered you my Best Friend for Kindergarten on through life. We share enough memories that I could write a book. Our fishing trips with your Mom and Dad to our boating musshap on the Musconetcong to your trip to Key Largo would make a lemon smile. You may be gone from sight but always in my heart Don't get in too much trouble until I get there. Rest in Peace My Friend.
2023.03.16
NHRHS Alumni
The NHRHS Alumni sends their most sincere condolences. May he rest in peace.
2023.03.16
Next Door Neighbor
Phillip and Christal Levan, neighbors from Heffner Road, Fleetwood, from 1988 until 1994 when we moved to Iowa. Wow, we are shocked to read the news. Maggie and our son, Tyler, visited each other a few times and still keep in touch. Wishing the entire family peace and comfort. Best of luck.
2023.03.18
Growing up together
Growing up together on Tunnel Road and attending Bethlehem Twp Elementary School until our family moved to Bloomsbury NJ. we always kept in touch sometime at the Pool next to the old General store or just hang out at his house, I remember John playing the drums in my aunt’s house living room, as usual family drift apart and go their own way but I often thought of him. I was blessed to have visited him in the hospital to catch up on old time and meet his family.
2023.03.18
John Pursell Sr.
I knew john for a very long time, and also a classmate .Remember the good old days at the Mir-O-Mar { Golden Rooster } in West Portal, and all thrugh high school. Always upbeat, and easy going, he was an inspriation to all . Gods speed old friend, and may you rest in peace . Ralph Blatterspiel { Polson, Montana }