John J. Purcell

Born December 24, 1932 in Troy, NY; he was the son of the late John J. and Anna F, (McDermott) Purcell.

John’s distinguished career in law enforcement included service to both his country and the commonwealth. He was a 20 year veteran of the United States Air Force and served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. John retired from the USAF as a Master Sergeant and served as a Special Agent in the Office of Special Investigations. He then retired from the PA Office of Attorney General after 25 years as a Special Agent with the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, where he served as a criminal investigator and polygraphist.

He was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, American Association of Police Polygraphists, National Training Center of Certified Polygraphists, Dauphin County Chiefs of Police, Vietnam War Veterans, Association of Retired U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigation, and the Wormleysburg American Legion Post. John also volunteered as the defensive coach of the Holy Name of Jesus midget football team for 15 years and was a positive influence on the lives of many young men through this dedication to the sport he loved.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ann H. Purcell; 2 sons, John J. Purcell III, and wife Kathleen, of Harrisburg and Matthew F. Purcell, and wife Christine, of Oradell, NJ; 2 daughters, Mary Elizabeth Buben, of Newtown and Linda C. Purcell, of Harrisburg; and 7 grandchildren, Jennifer L. Trostle, Robert P. Trostle, Alyssa M. Trostle, Emily A. Purcell, Lauren C. Purcell, Daniel F. Purcell and Ryan J. Purcell. He is predeceased by his sister Elizabeth A. Saburn, granddaughter Caitlyn M. Trostle, and son-in-law Michael T. Buben.

A viewing will be held Tuesday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry St., Harrisburg. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 11:00 am at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 6150 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg, with burial Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Name of Jesus Building Fund, 6150 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg, PA 17112.