Thomas J. Purcell

Thomas J. " Skip " Purcel l, 60, Ashland, passed away unexpectedly Friday at his residence.

Born in Pottsville he was a son of the late Harry and Alice Byrnes Purcell. He was a lifetime member of Labor Local # 1174 whom he worked through until his retirement.

He was a member of the former St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Girardville.

Skip was a 1977 graduate of Cardinal Brennan High School. He enjoyed going to races and anything and everything related to the Civil War.

He was preceded in death by his nephew Michael Manbeck.

Skip is survived by his two daughters; Donna Marie Purcell wife of Ellet Sapp Jr. and Christina Purcell wife of Matt Farrone, his sister Maureen wife of Mike Manbeck, all of Girardville, three brothers; Harry ( Bonnie ) Purcell, Bernard ( Lori ) Purcell and Patrick Purcell, his grandchildren; Angel, Dalilah and Rocco Farrone, Ean and Jayce Sapp, also by several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville, with Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil, officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fountain Springs and as Skip would say " Hey, Our Lad, dig here ".

In Lieu of flowers the family prefers contributions, in Skip's name, to the GBA, care of Paul Kowalick, 250 N. Second Street, Girardville, PA 17935.