John D. Purcell
June 17, 1924 - January 8, 2017

"Mr. Purcell was on my mind several weeks ago. Then yesterday I was listening to one of Monsignor Holme's homilies via the website's archives. It was on Epiphany, I was shocked to hear if Mr Purcell's passing. Please accept my condolences. I met this nice gentleman when I worked at St Mary's care center where he was a frequent visitor to see his cousin, Mary Beck, one of our residents. I also would run into him sometimes at St Raphael 's after Mass. He was a kind man. May his soul rest In Peace."

"John was wonderful to work with.He did all our forms before computerization.All our staff loved him.He also did my wedding invitations as a gift to me.He will always have a place in my heart."

"Greg Beck: I was saddened to learn of the passing of my cousin John D. "Brud" Purcell (aka Zeke). I'm confident that Brud was the reason my dad was passionate about sports which was also passed down to me. I remember many summer vacations in Madison, playing ball in Brud's back yard or at family picnics at Vilas Park or many other places in Madison. Through all the family cookouts, dinners or other celebrations, Brud always had a camera with him and took 1000's of pictures and movies of the family gatherings. Brud had a wonderful sense of humor which was also passed down to many in the family. I recall the annual joke of Brud ice fishing on Lake Monona across from his beautiful house or him regaling us with how many fish he caught in the summer from his "pier". While I did go to Brewer's games with Brud, I regret that I never got to attend a Packers or Badgers game with him. We did attend a Madison Muskies game at Breese Stevens Field in 1982 which I thoroughly enjoyed. I know he enjoyed it because he played at the park in his athletic prime. The last time I saw Brud we had a nice dinner at the Avenue Bar on East Washington Ave a few years ago. He recalled when he was an MP at the US Embassy in London. Brud never spoke of his veteran service in WWII and I hope people remember his service to our great country and that he was part of the Greatest Generation. He truly was! Brud also exuded class. Always an impeccable dresser and always had a nice car. But the classiest part of him was how he supported relatives and, I'm sure, friends as well. He will be dearly missed and I regret I will not be there for his service. Please know how much he meant to his family out in Northern Virginia and how much he will be missed. RIP our dear cousin John D. "Brud" Purcell. "

"Today I am sorry I cannot come to John's funeral because of the weather here in Green Lake and the 95 mile to Madison. I send condolences and prayers to all who are gathered. I have been a friend of John since 1960 when I came to the Cathedral. The saddest day of his life, other than the death of Marg, was the day St. Ray's burned. His who life and character was built around that church and community. He was a man of unfailing faith of upright character.We had many good time together and long conversations. I shall miss him, May he rest in peace. I will have mass said for him next week. "

"John was a favorite at the Capitol Lakes cafe in the mornings for breakfast. He is missed by those who saw him there. Dave Lyford"

"Dear Family of John, I once owned a Printing Company in McFarland WI and John was, actually, our life saving customer. We did tons of business with JP Forms when we were first getting started back in 1974. It would have been very difficult to survive those first years without him. Barbara and I will be on the road on the 13th and will be unable to attend John's funeral. He is heaven bound! I know of very few men I had more respect for than JP. Barbara and I will keep you in our prayers and John in our thoughts and memories forever. He was a wonderful, kind and generous person! Barbara and Wayne Meyer Community Publications 1974-1988"

"Dear family and friends. I knew John from St. Raphaels Church. I use to see him at mass up there almost daily. He and my father were classmates at St. Rays grade school. John played first base and my dad, John Skelton played third base. They won the grade school championship in 1938. I got to know John quite well. He had a great sense of humor. I always looked forward to seeing him. I remember him telling me that he and Romy Vetter were embassy guards in London during WWII and that he was glad he didn't get shipped to Japan. He wasn't afraid of fighting just couldn't take the boat ride, "seasickness". He was a very nice man. I wish I could attend the visitation but will be out of town. John is the end of an era. He outlasted my dad by 5 years. We were lucky to have him. We will all see him in Heaven. "