Francis (Frank) Joseph Purcell, Jr., of Avoca (formerly of Pittston), passed away on January 13, 2020 at Geisinger South in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He was born in Wyoming, PA on May 29, 1932 and was the son of the late Francis Sr. and Helen (Peal) Purcell.
Frank was a graduate of the Jenkins High School, class of 1949. He entered the
newly formed United States Air Force as a radio repair technician and was a
service veteran of the Korean War. Upon discharge, he worked in the technology
field and was a field service technician; installing and maintaining some of the
world's first mainframe and minicomputer systems. After retirement from Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in the early 1990s, he returned to Northeastern PA
and established himself as a valued member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
(VFW) Post 8335 in Avoca.
Despite his advanced age, he never missed a Memorial Day ceremony to honor
those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Frank’s wisdom and genuine love for his friends and family and his appreciation for others will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Dolores Mae Baloga and his sister Mary Ellen. Frank is survived by his five children, five grandchildren, his great-grandchild, brother Michael, sister Catherine, and many nieces and nephews.
Many thanks to his caregivers at Highland Manor Nursing Center, Exeter as well as the ICU nurses at Wilkes-Barre General and Geisinger South’s Hospice during his final week of life. To those who assisted him over the years and brought him joy, thank you—words cannot express our gratitude for your overwhelming kindness.
Friends may call for visitation on Sunday, January 26th, 2020 from 11:00am-1:30pm at Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine Street, Duryea. Memorial services will be held at 1:30pm by Fr. Joseph Elston of St. John The Evangelist Parish, Pittston. Military honors will be provided by the AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift donation in memory of Frank to the Arthritis Foundation, 400 Market Street, #610, Philadelphia, PA 19106 or arthritis.org/donate