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Thomas J. Purcell

Born: March 16, 1927

Died: October 8, 2019

Thomas J. Purcell, 92, of Morton and formerly of Streator, entered eternity Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at his residence in Morton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator. Msgr. Philip Halfacre will officiate.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Streator.

He was born March 16, 1927 in Chicago to Charles and Marie (Finn) Purcell.

He attended St. Mary's Grade School and Streator High School, enlisting in the U.S. Navy when he was 17 during World War II. He graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa in 1950, with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics. He was called back in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. He returned to Davenport, Iowa and was employed by International Harvester and Penns Oil. He moved back to Streator in 1953 and was employed by Union National bank from 1953 until his retirement in 1989. Tom started in the bookkeeping department and retired as President. He was former President of Union Bank Corporation, Board of Directors of Union Bank in Sandwich, Board of Directors of Union Bank of Streator and Union Bank Corporation. He was a former member and trustee of Immaculate Conception Parish (now St. Michaels). Tom was a 3rd and 4th degree of Knights of Columbus , a member of Streator Elks Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a former board member of St. Marys Hospital, Y.M.C.A., Streator Zoning Commission and a board member of a variety of local organizations.

He married the love of his life, the former Mary Lytle on July 28, 1956 at Immaculate Church and together they were blessed with 7 children. He is survived by his loving wife and children: Charles (Jane), Dunlap, IL, Ellen (David) Hood, Littleton, MA, Anne (Sebastian) Bufalino, Vernon Hills, IL, John (Kathy), S. Elgin, IL, Michael (Janet), Milton, GA, Matthew, Woodridge, IL, and Katherine (Matthew) Feczko, Sewickley, PA.; 21 grandchildren: Conner, Thomas (Katie), and Lauren Purcell, Michael (Callie), Peter, and Nicholas (Stephanie) Hood, Maria, Christina (Spencer) Matthew and Claire Bufalino, Michael (Lauren) and Marykate Purcell, Megan, Thomas and William Purcell, Samantha and Spencer Purcell, and Jack, Abagail, Emery and Thomas Feczko; 2 great grandchildren, Colin and Elliot Purcell, a sister Dorothy Leef, Boston, MA and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin sisters at birth, brother in law, Charles Leef, brother and sister in law, and Arthur and Phyllis Hawksley.

Tom was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was an avid reader and Cubs, Bears and Notre Dame Fan. He left the world a better place. He will be forever missed.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com

Donations may be made to St. Michaels Grade School or St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, 26 Danny Thomas Drive in Memphis, TN 38105.

Solon-Telford Funeral Home

301 S. Park St., Streator, Illinois 61364

815-672-2320