"Dear Michele, Emily and CJ, After reading the lovely tribute that you shared, I wish that I had known Chris better. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the wonderful memories of your husband and father will ease your sorrow. "
In loving memory of
Christopher M. Purnell
June 8, 1966 - March 11, 2021
Christopher M. Purnell, 54, of Ambler, PA, went home to be with the Lord surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 11, 2021, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Born in Atlantic City, NJ, he is the son of Linda L. Conroy of Linwood, NJ, and the late James F. Conroy.
Chris was a General Contractor and the owner and operator of Purnell Construction. He graduated from Mainland Regional High School in 1984, where he played football and then attended Glassboro State College. Chris was a hard worker who took pride in every project he worked on. Chris was an avid supporter of the Woody's Circle of Care Foundation, where he contributed his skills and services for families in need. Chris would always be the first to volunteer to lend a hand anytime, anywhere for anyone.
Chris loved life to the fullest. He lived in the moment and brightened up any room he walked into. Chris's proudest accomplishment in life was being a father and husband. The love Michele and Chris shared for each other was undeniable and endearing. He loved spending time with his family and was a big kid at heart. Emily and CJ were the apple of his eye. He taught by example the importance of laughter, being true to who you are, always be kind, work hard and support the underdog. He was a generous and giving man who welcomed all to be a part of any celebration or gathering. Chris loved hosting "cousins' week" for his nieces and nephews with his wife, Michele. It was a joyful anticipated event for the last 14 years, missing only one year due to Hurricane Sandy. He was an enthusiastic Eagles Fan and a season ticket holder for 24 years. He loved going to the games but more importantly, spending time with his wonderful group of buddies who were also loyal fans. He and "the boys" even attended a Superbowl.
Chris was a kind, gentle, and good man. A faithful husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He demonstrated great strength during his 2 ½ year battle with cancer and never once complained. He was a warrior until the end and showed all of us what courage, patience, humility and love looks like without using words. Chris's motto was live life, love much and laugh often. He will be dearly missed.
In addition to his mother, Linda Conroy, he is survived by his devoted and loving wife Michele Purnell, children, Emily and CJ Purnell both of Ambler, PA. He is survived by his sister Michele Mahoney and her sons, Ryan and Connor, and brothers, Mark ,and Patrick and his children, Brian (Rachel) and their children Jacob and Estelle, and Jamie and her son Braxton. He is also survived by Michele's family, including her parents, William and Patricia Lavery, Denise (Michael) Buck and their son, Joshua (Nyssa) and grandchild, Cooper, William (Kellie) Lavery and their children, Jack and Allison, Michael (Deirdre) Lavery and their son, Owen and Eileen Goddess and her children, Jack, Matthew and Grace.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 20, 2021, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia 13500 Philmont Ave. Philadelphia, PA. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 AM with Pastor Tom Schmied officiating. In true Chris fashion, feel free to wear casual and colorful attire. The funeral service will be Livestreamed at 11:00 AM. Click this link https://vimeo.com/event/812402 and enter password -- grace.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to: For Pete's Sake Cancer Respite Foundation, a foundation which enables cancer patients and their loved ones to strengthen, deepen and unify their relationships by creating unforgettable and lasting respite experiences.
For Pete's Sake Cancer Respite Foundation
620 W Germantown Pike, Suite 250
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Web: https://takeabreakfromcancer.org
Phone: 267-708-0510
Email: info@takeabreakfromcancer.org
Share your tributes and photos at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com
©Urban Funeral Home
Tributes
"Michele, wishing you comfort and peace, we are so sorry for your loss. As you have so movingly shared your journey, your strength and faith are truly inspiring. Family is everything. May you continue to feel the love that surrounds you and memories of Chris live forever in your heart. Blessings to you and know that your Aetna family is here for you. Michelle and Joel Rooks"
"I always looked up to Chris, literally and figuratively. He is a solid guy. He never says anything unless he has something to say, and it took me a while to learn to be comfortable with silences, and then I came to enjoy them. I loved that he called me "Janie," which few people do. The home that I share with Ivon, and my office that I share with many others, will always remember Chris and my home especially shows the beauty of his workmanship, eye, and design. Both Ivon and I loved having him and George in the house. We kept trying to figure out new projects just so they would come and stay for a while. A big man, he will be missed, Jane (Williams)"
"Chris was a wonderful craftsman and artisan who helped create a beautiful home for me and my family, and it will carry his memory for years to come. While we first had a business relationship, it grew into a true friendship and I was blessed to get to know Chris on a deeper level. He was a wonderful man, and will cherish the good time, laughs and memories we shared. Ivon Warren"
"Chris was a wonderful craftsman and artisan who helped create a beautiful home for me and my family, and it will carry his memory for years to come. While we first had a business relationship, it grew into a true friendship and I was blessed to get to know Chris on a deeper level. He was a wonderful man, and will cherish the good time, laughs and memories we shared. Ivon Warren"
"Michele - what a beautiful tribute you have written for Chris. I hope that you, Emily and CJ are comforted by knowing what an impactful life Chris led. He has set such a fine example for his children. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Michele, we have such fond memories of Chris and of you from our days at Chets. We send our love to you and your family. Eva and Vic Dawson"
"My families prayers are with Michele and all of Chris' family and friends. The Salvadors"
"Chris not only replaced my old kitchen, but he and George saved me from bodily harm by reinforcing the pergola over my deck. It was listing dangerously and they figured out a way to save it and me from collapse. He helped me even when he was sicker than I knew. Chris helped so many people and they appreciated his commitment and friendship. I will miss his straight and tall stature and beautiful spirit. His was a lovely human being."
"Michele and family, We?re very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you. Love Dan FitzGerald and Family "
"Michele, Emily and CJ, So deeply sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of your loving husband and father. May God comfort and bless you all. Love, Lory (Beez) McNelis Greene "
"Sending our condolences to the Purnell and Lavery family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you ? Art and Diana Mackin"
"Michele-Sending my sincere condolence to you and your entire family. "
"Michelle, So sorry for your loss. our thoughts and prayers are with you, your Children and the Family. xo Kim (Hartwigs) & Paul Passanante"
"I am so sorry for your loss Michelle. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family"
"We had a lot of laughs no matter what we did; words cannot express how much I'm going to miss him. He always made sure that my daughter & I were included in whatever he & his family did. I will always carry that with me. He was my buddy, my brother, my friend, Miss you Critty. Pete & Julia "
"Chris was one of the best . He was a kind and generous man and will be missed by all who knew him. "