Obituary of Joseph W. Purtell

Joseph W. Purtell, age 89, died on November 21, 2008. Born and raised in Pitman, he was a graduate of Pitman High School in 1936. Joseph lived in the Pitman and Sewell area all his life and wintered in Melbourne, FL from 1979-1999. He was a WWII Air Force Veteran serving from 1942-1944 in the 866th Airborne. In 1979 he retired as Supervisor of Maintenance from DuPont in Gibbstown where he worked for 39 years. Joseph was a member and past master in 1954 of the Pitman Masonic Lodge #197 F&AM. He was also a member of the Consistory in Collingswood and the Gloucester County Shrine Club. He served on the Mantua Twp. School Board as President for 16 years. He was active and past treasurer of the Sewell Community Baptist Church and a member of the Pitman United Methodist Church. During his retirement, June and Joe enjoyed traveling in their Airstream around the country and was a member of the Wally Byam Caravan Club. He is survived by his wife of 65 years June F. (nee Beal), daughters Eileen (Frank) Armstrong, Carol June (Ralph) Breisch, Janice (James) Adams, Linda Jo (Peter) McEvoy, sisters Gweneth Black and Jean Mac George, 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Friends may call on Tuesday 9-10:30am in the KELLEY FUNERAL HOME, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ. Masonic Service 10:30am followed by funeral service at 11am. Interment Eglington Cemetery. Those desiring may make a contribution to the Pitman Manor Fellowship Fund, 535 N. Oak Ave, Pitman, NJ 08071.