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Lawrence Purcella, age 83, longtime resident of Albuquerque NM passed away Sunday evening, October 17, 2010 surrounded by his family. He was born in East View, NM and was preceded in death by his parents, Pete Purcella Sr and Sofia Luna; his sisters Frances Gurule and Rebecca Sanchez; his brother, Joe Purcella; and great-grandson, Alexander Rhoads. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bessie Purcella; and their five children: Anna Purcella-Doll and husband Mike of Georgia, Edna Purcella-Yates and husband Keith of Albuquerque, Doris Purcella-Gaddie and husband Robert of Texas, Larry Purcella and wife Arlene of Albuquerque, and Barbara Purcella and partner Gloria Montoya of Albuquerque; He is also survived by his four brothers, Martin Purcella Sr and wife Josefina of Albuquerque, Pete Purcella, Jr. and partner Dolores Jaramillo of Albuquerque, and Arthur Purcella and his wife, Elvira of Albuquerque; and one sister Verna Ortiz and husband Frank of Costilla, NM; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Purcella moved from Mountainair, NM in the early 1950s and worked for then Navajo Freight Lines (ABF Freight) for 38 years. He was an avid baseball pitcher for over 30 years, playing in various leagues around New Mexico until an unrelated injury forced him from the game. To satisfy his love of the game, he became an umpire and spent the next 28 years umpiring for Albuquerque City Parks and high school softball as well as the City Senior League. Purcella was inducted into the Albuquerque Baseball/Softball Hall of Fame for his many years of contribution to the game. Rosary and Catholic Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic parish at 412 Stover Ave SW. A viewing for friends and family will be held Thursday evening, October 21, 2010 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Friday morning, October 22, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., with burial directly following at Mt Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Bryan Doll, Eric Taddy, Bobby Gaddie, Peter Gaddie, Corey Purcella and Chantel Purcella; Honorary Pallbearers are: Mark Doll, Jennifer Doll, Casey Purcella, Jordan Purcella and Gypsy Purcella. Services are being handled by Salazar and Sons Mortuary. Salazar and Sons Mortuary 400 Third Street SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 247-4124
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