Obituary: Timothy F. Purcell Jr., 90, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Timothy F. Purcell Jr., 90, passed away at his home on June 3, 2021 after a brief illness. He was born to parents Delia O’Connell and Timothy F. Purcell Sr. on December 29, 1930. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Anne Milano Purcell. He leaves behind a brother, Thomas Purcell (Anne) and one sister, Mary Hargraves. Timothy is survived by his four daughters, Anita Tarwater of Canonsburg, PA., Nancy Purcell of Branford, CT., Sharon Purcell (Bob Naviasky) of Waterford, CT., and Cynthia Purcell (Rodney Winchell) of New Haven, CT. He was the proud grandfather of Daniel Iead (Emily), Caitlin Rose, Whitney Muska (Kevin), Connor Tarwater (Alicia), Annie Kell (Kevin), Lily Tarwater, Abby Tarwater, William Burhans and Nolan Burhans (Sage). He will also be missed by his five great-grandchildren, Pearl Iead, Adeline Muska, Josephine Muska, Leo Muska, and Rowan Kell. He was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Bowers; brother-in-law, Tex Hargraves; and a son-in-law, Doyle Tarwater.

After graduating from Branford High School, Tim enlisted in the military: Army 102nd Tank Company, 43rd Infantry Division 1950-1952, stationed in Germany. He remained in contact with his company, organizing and participating in an annual outing until just a few years ago. Timothy worked for the US Postal Service for 42 years and retired as the Assistant Postmaster in 1990; he knew every street and neighborhood in town. Upon retirement Timothy and Anne were fortunate to have the opportunity to travel many places together. He enjoyed spending time on the golf course, crabbing in the Branford River, tending to his garden, as well as bowling and playing cards with his buddies at the VFW. He was also known for being quite the ice skater in his younger years and could be found showing off on Young’s Pond, Supply Pond or Tabor Pond in the winter months. Tim was active in the Knights of Columbus and their many charitable activities. He had a fondness for all things Irish, especially music and whiskey. A lover of his hometown, Timothy was well-known in the community and a friend to many. We will miss the twinkle in his blue eyes and his quiet, gentle soul.

Relatives and friends are invited to a funeral service Thursday June 10, at 11:00 in the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, and may call prior to the funeral from 9:00 - 11:00. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, Branford. Memorial donations can be made to the Branford Historical Society P. O. Box 504, Branford, CT 06405. For directions and online memorial see www.wsclancy.com.