Patrick J. Purcell

Patrick J. Purcell passed away peacefully, in his sleep, at his home in St. James, Long Island, on September 18th, 2022, at the age of 91. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Joan A. Purcell (nee Fahey), his daughter, Marie April Gismondi and son-in-law, John Smith. He also leaves his nephews, James Murdock and Steven Murdock and Steve's wife, Ivet Murdock, all of whom always held a special place in his heart.

Pat was a proud Irish Catholic, born on April 5th of 1931, to his immigrant parents James and Catherine Purcell.

He was a sports fan, who followed not only the pro's, but always rooted for his alma mater's Chaminade and Fordham. Shortly after graduating from New York Law, the US Army called and Pat was sent to Heidelberg where he served in the Judge Advocate General's Office.

Upon discharge, he came home to Long Island and married his sweetheart, Joan, with whom he would have celebrated his 65th anniversary this coming November.

He was a man who loved to be challenged mentally and enjoyed a vibrant career as a trial lawyer. He was described to me once as: "The guy you didn't want to see sitting on the opposite side of the table when you started a new case." He loved being a lawyer, the people in his office who had become like family, and went to work every day until April of 2022.

Pat had the benefit of many lifelong friendships. These were forged in and around the Nassau County Courts and in the clubhouse of Wheatley Hills Country Club, where he, for a time, had the honor of serving as President. Undoubtedly, there is a golf outing in the heavens taking place as you read these words... where the sun is never in your eyes, and the ball always rises from the tee to fly straight and true.

He was also a voracious reader, a fan of crossword puzzles, a dog lover with a particular affinity for the Kerry Blue Terrier. He was proud of his horses that made it to the winner's circle - and like those thoroughbreds - he crossed the finish line as a man of personal integrity, who always stood tall in stature as he gracefully negotiated his way through the twists and turns of our ever changing world.

He was kind. He was funny. He was intelligent. He was loved and will be missed.

Please join us for a celebration of his life and the memorial brunch immediately following the interment on Wednesday at Westbury Manor, 1100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury NY 11590