Patrick John Purcell

Patrick was born on April 12, 1940, in Newark, NJ, to parents William and Elizabeth (Heenan) Purcell. At the young age of 16, Pat became an electrician’s apprentice for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Years later, Pat became a journeyman electrician and spent his entire career working for the Newark Housing Authority. In some of the most difficult times in Newark’s history, Pat made sure the seniors in the housing complexes were never stranded without elevator service, even being escorted by the New Jersey National Guard during times of great danger.

After enjoying an early retirement, Pat went on to achieve many accomplishments. He was very proud of each and every one.

Upon retiring, Pat went on to earn his high school GED. He later completed two years of college at Montclair State University with a concentration in history and political science.

While studying at MSU, Pat was introduced to the profession of real estate and soon thereafter passed the test to become a certified real estate agent.

The next 20 years were filled with developing cherished friendships, selling homes to young first-time buyers just starting out in life and treating each sale as if it were his own purchase.

However, no career could compare to his greatest passion: providing childcare for his grandsons, Andrew and Devin Waldron, when their mother returned to work full time. His answer was always “yes” to anything that was needed, from school activities and sporting events to even playing Santa Claus during the holidays. He was affectionately known as “Poppy” to his family and their friends.

Later, Pat became a grandfather to Nicholas Purcell and Brian Mueller. In the years ahead, he was there to support them through life’s challenges. Pat was especially focused on helping young Nicholas overcome the obstacles of autism.

Pat was always on the go and never wasted a moment of life. He traveled across the globe, visiting places such as Italy, Spain, Croatia and his beloved Ireland, just to name a few.

He sailed on cruises to the Caribbean, drove to Disney World with his young children and flew all around the country, stopping at countless locations.

Pat also never missed an opportunity to expand his circle of friends. He never skipped a happy hour or the chance to meet his friends in Long Island and New York City and join an informal singalong or the more structured AARP Livingtones singing group.

Throughout his long life spent meeting and making countless friends, Pat was known for his tremendous kindness, infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor and was universally referred to as “a very sweet man.”

Pat was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved brothers, William and Edward Purcell.

Pat is survived by his two adoring children, daughter Elizabeth (Beth Ann) Waldron and her husband, Robert; son Patrick John Purcell, Jr.; loving grandchildren, Andrew and Devin Waldron, Nicholas Purcell, Brian Mueller and his wife Ashley as well as great grandchildren Amelia and Adelina Mueller; nephews Richard and Edward Purcell, niece Laura Jaramillo, and great-nephews Ryan and Patrick Purcell and Brandon Jaramillo; as well as beloved cousins, the Guyeski family from St. Clair, Pa.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Saint Philomena Roman Catholic Church, 386 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ, with a Committal Service to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum in East Hanover, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Independence360, an organization near to Pat’s heart and dedication to providing adult services for adults on the spectrum. Independence Spectrum360 is located in Whippany, NJ: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/spectrum/