Robert Bruce Purcell

In Loving Memory of Robert Bruce Purcell

November 1, 1957 – December 18, 2024

Robert Bruce Purcell, 67, passed away peacefully at home on December 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Astoria, Queens, NY, on November 1, 1957, to Edwin Simes Purcell and Eileen (Connelly) Purcell, Rob was the youngest of five children. He graduated from Monroe Woodbury High School in Monroe, NY.

In 1991, Rob met Ellen at the bar where she was working and eventually asked her out after many nights goofing around and closing down the bar with her. Rob next met Ellen’s daughter, Danielle, who would become his daughter as well. Rob and Ellen were married in October 1992. Amanda joined the family in 1993, and then Ryan in 1996. Shortly after, the family moved to Auburn, New Hampshire so they could be close to Ellen’s father at his summer home in Southport, ME. Rob was a Ramp Manager for FedEx in Manchester before retiring in 2021 after 30 years with the company.

Rob enjoyed playing golf and hockey, skiing, fishing, taking walks through the woods with his dog, and spending time with his family. Above all else, he was a devoted father, coaching soccer, softball, baseball, and hockey and accompanying his kids to countless dance, piano, Boy Scouts and other extracurricular events. Rob loved taking his motorboat out on the water, resulting in many memorable picnics and scenic cruises along the coast near Southport over countless beautiful summer days. As time went on, Rob later experienced the joy of being Papa to his five grandchildren. He had a special bond with his oldest granddaughter, Gemma, whom he helped raise as if she were his own daughter.

Rob will be remembered for his ferociously strong work ethic, mischievous sense of humor, and ready kindness towards others. After struggling with alcoholism for most of his life, he was immensely proud to celebrate his three-year anniversary of being sober not long before his passing. Despite his diagnosis with terminal brain cancer, he maintained a remarkably positive attitude, treasuring each additional day he got to spend with his family. True to form, Rob managed to continue joking around and making everyone laugh even after his disease had totally robbed him of his ability to speak.

Rob was predeceased by his parents; by his father-in-law; by three siblings, Eddie, Kevin, and Eileen; and by his nephew, Christopher.

Rob is survived by his wife, Ellen, and by his children and their spouses: Danielle and Devon Hewlett, Amanda Purcell and Bobby Kogan, and Ryan and Cailin Purcell. He leaves behind grandchildren Gemma, Grayson, May, Elliana, and Isaiah. He is also survived by his sister, Gail, and her husband, John Kirschner, as well as by his niece and nephews and their families.

Rob’s family thanks Dr. Omar Arnaout and his attending staff as well as the Dana Farber and Solinsky Cancer Center doctors and staff for extending Rob’s time with them. Rob’s family also thanks the Visiting Nurses’ Association of Manchester for helping them care for Rob in his final weeks.

A celebration of Rob’s life will be held on January 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at NH Audubon’s McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH 03301. Rob’s family hopes you will join them in sharing fond memories of Rob, who is dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Rob's memory to a charity of your choice.