Frank V. Purcella, Jr., age 90, of Oxford peacefully entered into eternal rest on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Glendale Center in Naugatuck, CT. He was the devoted husband of 62 years to Eugenia “Jeannie” (Agafonoff) Purcella. He was born on January 2,1934 in New Haven, CT, the son of the late Frank and Viola (Votruba) Purcella, who were actors in the vaudeville circuit.
Frank grew up in Seymour, at his family’s establishment, the Actors Colony Inn, which was along the Housatonic River. It was there that he spent his formative years, fishing, hunting, boating, swimming and skiing. He also spent countless hours in the surrounding woods, which contributed to his deep respect of nature.
As a child, Frank attended St. Mary’s School in Derby, then Fairfield Prep for his freshman year. He transferred to Seymour High School where he earned the nickname “The Rock” due to his physical strength, stability, and loyalty to his friends and family.
Frank proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War, with Headquarters Battery, 49th Field Artillery Battalion, where he was a cook. After his time in the service, he returned home to help run his family’s business. It was there at Actors Colony Inn, while handing out beans from his apron during a Tuesday night Bingo game that he first spotted his future wife. He turned to his friend and said, “See that girl over there? I am going to marry her.” Jeannie received a huge pile of beans – it was love at first sight.
Upon the sale of the establishment, Frank started an excavation company. He also spent many years as a construction worker and as a boat driver for Lake Zoar Authority. Additionally, Frank was a founding member of the Bel Air Water Ski Club in Seymour, a volunteer firefighter with Riverside Fire Company in Oxford, and a softball coach who took over his daughters’ last place team and coached them to a championship. Frank was a communicant of Christ Church Quaker Farms in Oxford.
Besides his wife Jeannie of Oxford, CT, he is survived by his daughters Susan Gibbons and her husband Michael of Oxford, CT, Sandra Purcella of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Tanya Purcella of Peabody, MA, his grandson Alexander Gibbons, his brother-in-law, Michael Kelly and his wife Marianne, and his cousins Barbara, David and Hank Wheeler.
The Purcella and Gibbons Families are grateful for the care that Frank received at Griffin Hospital, Complete Care at Glendale and a special thanks to Natalie, the music therapist at AccentCare Hospice, who serenaded Frank, surrounded by his loved ones, as he faced the final curtain, with his favorite song by Frank Sinatra, My Way.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Sunday, April 28, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St. Derby. His funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Frank’s honor to the Riverside Fire Company, 151 Coppermine Road, Oxford, CT 06478. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.adzimafh.com.
