Mr. Thomas W Purtell
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Mr. Thomas W Purtell

  • August 9, 1948 - August 27, 2011
  • Hobe Sound, Florida
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Memories & Candles

“We were boyhood friends, you used to help me mow my huge lawn. We obsessed on silly things sometimes, like who could bounce a croquet ball on the...Read More » ”
1 of 20 | Posted by: David Inglis - Mogadishu, Somalia

“Tom's life was cut way too short by a cruel disease; Jan and I will always remember him for his easy smile and great sense of humor. He was a good...Read More » ”
2 of 20 | Posted by: Dave Belz - Sterling, VA

“Dear Sharon and Family, Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our family and Tom's family were neighbors and good friends in Fayetteville, NY. We...Read More » ”
3 of 20 | Posted by: The O'Donnell Family - NY

“Thom, you were such a wonderful part of our young lives. We will miss you and love you always. Rest in peace, old friend. ”
4 of 20 | Posted by: Chris and Steve Riddle - Bend, OR

“Tommy, Over the years our families just got busy with other stuff and we lost track of each other. I was just a little cousin, but what I remember...Read More » ”
5 of 20 | Posted by: Dawn Ebert Holynski - Pulaski, NY

“Tommy and I were "kissing cousins"----when we were about 5 yrs. old! We have lost touch over the years, but I'll always remember playing in Aunt Rose...Read More » ”
6 of 20 | Posted by: Susie (Ebert) Murray - Pulaski, NY

“Sharon, It has been such a short time since the reunion and all the joy we saw in Tom's face to this sad event. We honestly believed that Tom's...Read More » ”
7 of 20 | Posted by: Kim MacCartney - Yorktown, VA

“miss you tommy always, one day the old neighborhood will be back together again love ya ”
8 of 20 | Posted by: ruth (dougherty) payette - irmo, SC

“miss you tommy ”
9 of 20 | Posted by: kathleen french - pulaski, NY

“So sorry to hear of Tom's departure Sharon. We will miss him, but his memory is strong and pleasant. His Peace, Phil ”
10 of 20 | Posted by: Philip Sherer - Crestline, OH

“Dear Sharon and Family, please accept my deepest sympathy on Purt's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of grief. ”
11 of 20 | Posted by: David Reichl - Sequim, WA

“Dear Sharon and family, My thoughts are with you, I am sad that I missed the reunion this summer, Tom was always a great guy and a lot of fun to be...Read More » ”
12 of 20 | Posted by: Nancy Kuhen Michalski - Buffalo, NY

“You were always my favorite my brother in law...I will miss you... ”
13 of 20 | Posted by: Deb Purtell - fayetteville, NY

“Tom fought a brave battle. He seemed so full of hope and strength. He will be missed. All our love to his family. Cherish the memories and...Read More » ”
14 of 20 | Posted by: The Goff Family - Herndon, VA

“Dear Sharon, Tom and I have many great memories of Tom from years ago. We are very sorry for your loss. Our thought and prayers are with you and your...Read More » ”
15 of 20 | Posted by: Linda Calver Jackson - Syracuse, NY

“To the toasts we shared together and the others yet to come. Will dearly miss all the stories and shared memories we had together. Keep the gates...Read More » ”
16 of 20 | Posted by: Lord Calver - Hobe Sound, FL

“Sharon & Family, Just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and sending you love. Hoping you find strength and peace during your loss. ...Read More » ”
17 of 20 | Posted by: Rachel Royce - North Palm Beach, FL

“To Sharon and your family, I am sorry I was unable to see you both at at the recent class reunion, I'm sure it was very meaningful for Tom. I...Read More » ”
18 of 20 | Posted by: JoAnn Elliot (nee Steinman) - MA

“Tommy was a really good guy. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. ”
19 of 20 | Posted by: Barbara Purtell - Punta Gorda, FL

“Dear Sharon, I'm sorry that we never had the chance to meet, but I just wanted to let you know how deeply saddened I was to hear of Tommy's...Read More » ”
20 of 20 | Posted by: Debbie Purtell LaVine - NY


Thomas W. Purtell, 63, of Hobe Sound, FL, passed away August 27, 2011 at Martin Memorial Hospital in Stuart, FL. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother & good friend to all.

He was a native of Fayetteville, NY & moved to Hobe Sound over a year ago from Herndon, VA, where he was a member of St Joseph Church. In 1964 he became an Eagle Scout & graduated from Jamesville Dewitt High School in 1966 where he played football. He was appointed to the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, where he also played football. He entered & served in the US Coast Guard, from 1970 until 1991 when he retired as Commander. When in the service he received National Defense Medal with Bronze Star, Achievement medal with Bronze Star, CG Unit Commendation Ribbon, CG Cuttermans' Insignia, CG Bicentennial Unit Commendation Ribbon, Republic of Viet Nam Meritorious Unit Commendation & Citation with Gallantry Cross with Palm. After his retirement from the Coast Guard, he worked for General Dynamics as a Senior project director, managing projects for the US Government.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan, a son, Christopher and his mother and father William & Betty. Survivors include, his wife, Sharon Purtell of Hobe Sound, FL, stepdaughters, Sarah Kirkhart of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Cynthia Shonts of LaGrange, GA, step son, Arthur Miles of Casselberry, FL, four step grandchildren, a brother, Robert Purtell, wife Debbie of Fayetteville, NY, two nephews, Jay & Colin & a uncle., Ted Purtell.

A Prayer Service will be held on Friday, September 9, 2011, at 11:00am, at the Forest Hills Funeral Homes – Young & Prill Chapel in Stuart, FL, with military honors to follow from the United States Coast Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to: USCGA Alumni Asso. / Class of 1970 foundation c/o USCGA Alumni Asso 47 Mohegan Ave New London, CT 06320
Interment in St Mary's Cemetery DeWitt, NY at a future date.
A guest book is available at www.youngandprill.com