Obituary - Theodore L. Purnell, Jr.

Theodore L. Purnell, Jr.

Theodore L. Purnell, Jr., 86 of Hammonton, N.J. passed away Friday July 26, 2024. He was born in Quakertown, Pa. and raised in Swarthmore, Pa. He went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, where he received his Doctorate degree in Psychology. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, where he rose to rank of Capitan. Upon coming home, he worked for a time at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

He got a job as Director of Psychology at Ancora State Hospital, where he worked for 25 years until retirement in 1993. In addition to his work at Ancora, he had a private practice, Hammonton Area Counseling Service. He could fix or build anything for his family and friends. He enjoyed working in his yard, watching movies and Fox News, reading, listening to classical music, smoking cigars, and drinking wine. He was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan.

He is predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth and Theodore L. Purnell, Sr.; his in-laws, Millie and Domenic Zanghi; and his brother-in-law, Joseph Salvatore, Jr. Theodore is survived by his loving wife, Marie (nee Zanghi); daughter, Laurie L. Purnell; three sisters, Sue Conrad (Wayne), Elizabeth Landon, Ruth Cottingham (Jim); Sister-in-law, Concetta Salvatore; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends were invited to attend his viewing Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Marinella Funeral Home 102 N Third St. Hammonton, NJ 08037. Services were held at 11 a.m. Burial was in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 248 S. First Rd. Hammonton, NJ. Donations may be made to Hammonton Cancer Foundation P.O. Box 1066 Hammonton, NJ 08037. To share condolences please visit www.marinellafuneralhome.com

Arrangements entrusted to the Marinella Funeral Home.