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Joseph P. Purcell | Elevator mechanic, 64

Joseph P. Purcell
Joseph P. PurcellRead more

Joseph Patrick Purcell, 64, a retired elevator mechanic in Philadelphia and Phoenix, Ariz., and a longtime Mason, died Wednesday, Oct., 10, of complications of cancer at his home in Phoenix.

Mr. Purcell was born June 18, 1948, in Philadelphia, the son of John and Catherine Purcell. He attended Philadelphia public schools, graduating from George Washington High School in 1967.

Mr. Purcell worked as a mechanic as a member of International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 5 in Philadelphia from 1968 to 2000. He and his wife, Barbara, moved to Phoenix in 2000, where he worked with Local 140 until he retired in 2006.

Mr. Purcell served as worshipful master of Harry A. Houseman Lodge 717 in Bristol in 1983 and as secretary of the lodge for 13 years after that. He was also a longtime member of the Lehigh Valley Shriners and Eastern Star.

In addition to his wife of 45 years, he is survived by a son, Scott; two grandchildren; a brother; and two sisters.

No services are planned.