A loving and kind husband, father and grandfather
MALDEN — Richard A. “Dick” Purcell, 88, of Malden, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2022 surrounded by family after a long illness. Dick leaves behind his beloved wife Barbara A. (Sweeney) Purcell. Loving father of William M. Trites and his wife, Lori, of Wilmington and Joanne M. Bennett and her husband, Kevin, of Tewksbury. Cherished Grandfather of Tyler Trites and his wife, Michelle, of Londonderry NH; Jill Moro and Heather Trites of Wilmington and Nicole Bennett of Tewksbury. Proud great grandfather of Emma and Brock. Caring uncle of Billy, Ritchie, Chuckie Gamrecki and Sandra Blond.
Dick was born in Malden on January 5, 1934, to the late Timothy and Mary Purcell. Out of high school, he joined the United States Navy where he proudly served his country for four years and was honorably discharged on November 4, 1954. After the Navy, he worked for various telephone companies for over 30 years. The later years at the telephone company were spent as a technician at the New England Medical Center in Boston. He was a member of IBEW Local 2222.
Dick was an all-around Malden native who was very involved in giving back to his community. Upon retirement, he served on the DPW Committee in Malden for eight years and was appointed Commissioner in the last years of his term. He was an active member of the Irish American Club and enjoyed his time there and volunteering at their various events.
Dick was an active member of the Malden YMCA for over 50 years where he enjoyed playing handball and working out along with his lifelong friends. He loved boating and was a member of the Riverside Yacht Club in Medford, where he and Barbara enjoyed weekends on the water on his boat the “Cutabove.” Dick and his wife Barbara also enjoyed traveling and spent time in Aruba, Florida, New Hampshire and Maine with their friends and family.
He was an avid Boston sports fan who enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots with his wife Barbara. He enjoyed his Dunkin Donuts coffee and reading the newspaper every morning. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who always had a kind word and willingness to help.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 4 -7 p.m., followed by a funeral service at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 26 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment with Military Honors at Forest Dale Cemetery in Malden. US Korean War Navy Veteran. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com. 
