Richard E. Purcell

Richard E. Purcell, 64, of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, passed away on August 4th, 2023. Born in New Bedford to Iola and William Purcell Jr. as the youngest of four siblings, he lived an eclectic and colorful life pursuing his many interests and talents. Rich was a Marine Science Technical Petty Officer 2nd Class at U.S. Coast Guard, a graduate of Northeastern University, and worked many years leading teams at software companies Sybase and VMware. A social butterfly and voracious learner, Rich was passionate about art, travel, his dogs (whom he cherished), science fiction, LGBT rights, and culture. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest sister, Donna Fournier, and his longtime partner, Mark Shanahan. He leaves behind his two siblings, William Purcell III, of New Bedford, and Cynthia Purcell-Reis and her husband Ed of Dartmouth, and his sister-in-law, Colleen Purcell, of Lakeville. In addition, Rich’s huge heart had room for many others he considered dear, including his many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, friends, and chosen family he met along the way. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the New Hampshire SPCA or the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Memorial visitation for Rich will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 9:00-10:30AM at Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home 280 Bedford Street, Lakeville, MA 02347. Rich will be laid to rest at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Fall River following the memorial visitation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard E. Purcell, please visit our floral store.