Obituary of Joseph Michael Purcell

Joseph "Joe" Purcell, age 55, of Harvey's Lake, lost his battle with bone cancer at home on Thursday, September 27, 2012. He was born May 3, 1957 at Mercy Hospital in Wilkes- Barre to Margaret O'Boyle Purcell, Harveys Lake and the late William F. Purcell. Joe graduated from Lake Lehman High School in 1975. He received a BSN in nursing from College Misercordia in 1984 and earned his license to be a Nurse Practitioner in 1998. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church, Harveys Lake. Joe's career started in Florida where he worked in Oncology for 3 years. He returned home to Pennsylvania and furthered his career in Philadelphia at Thomas Jefferson and Hahnemann Hospitals. He continued his career overseas in Saudi Arabia working for the Saudi Government at the King Fahd Military Medical Complex. After returning home he returned to pursue a Master's Degree to be a Nurse Practitioner while working nights for a home health agency. Upon earning his Nurse Practitioner's License, Joe worked at the State Correctional Institution, Waymart. His final employment was as a Nurse Practitioner for Prison Health Services, at the State Correctional Institution, Dallas. In addition to his Mother, Joe is survived by his Aunt, Eileen O'Boyle, and brother William F. Purcell Jr., both of Harveys Lake, PA; brother James and wife Cynthia of Covington Township; sister Margaret Smith and her husband Russell of Carlisle; five nieces and nephews: Michael, Erin, and Maura Smith of Carlisle; Kathryn and John Purcell of Covington Township; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Joe was a loving son, brother, uncle, godfather, friend, nephew and neighbor. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends with whom he enjoyed sharing his ideas for upcoming projects. Joe's selfless acts of friendship and compassion knew no bounds. From putting his own affairs on hold to take care of sick relatives, comforting a three year old niece reluctant to get blood work, to stitching cuts of friends, Joe's life was an example to all. His passing has left a great void in the lives of his family, friends and neighborhood, and he will be sorely missed. No words can express the profound gratitude that the family feels toward Joe's friends. Special thanks goes to Judy Simon, Cathy Moretti, Dave Anderson and Shirley Smith for the numerous and difficult hours they put in assisting Joe when he needed it the most. The love and support of all of his friends and neighbors through this difficult time has been remarkable. 3 Million. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 1, 2012 at 9:45 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corners of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM from Our Lady of Victory Church, Harveys Lake, with the Rev. Daniel Toomey officiating. Interment will be in St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call Sunday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be sent to the Medical Oncology Prescription Assistance Fund, 382 Pierce St., Kingston, PA 18704.