Pete N. Purcella

Pete N. Purcella passed away peacefully on Friday, April 16, 2021 at the age of 79.

Pete is preceded in death by his wife of 40 years Vicky Purcella; parents Pete and Sophia Purcella; brothers: Martin Purcella, Lawrence Purcella, Joe Purcella; sisters: Frances Gurule, Rebecca Sanchez; and grandson Josh Purcella.

He is survived by his sons: Bobby Purcella and wife Antoinette, Jerry Purcella and wife Annadine; brother Arthur Purcella; and sister Verna Purcella.

Pete, Peté, Grandpa... whatever you knew him as, you knew he was a wonderful man. A man who would do anything for the people he loved and cared about. A man who loved his family to the fullest and was proud of each one of them.

He was married to his wife Vicky for 40 years and took care of her with pride until her passing. Pete was passionate about his sports, and was named a Hall of Fame Fast-pitch Softball pitcher. He pitched both Slow pitch and Fast-pitch for over 40 years. He was also a bowler and enjoyed bowling weekly with his buddies. His bowling and Softball friends were part of his family. Let’s not forget about how he was his great grandchildren’s #1 fan and supporter! He made sure to make all the games and tournaments he could. Less than two weeks before he left us he drove himself to his great grandsons tournament because he was DETERMINED to see him play again. He was so proud of the passion they shared with him for baseball/softball. Oh, and we can’t forget about his morning coffee with all of his longtime friends. He looked forward to those coffee dates every single morning prior to everything closing! He would get to hangout and hear all the “mitote” and then come home and tell us. 

Pete was strong willed, loving, caring, funny, independent, oh and let’s not forget how stubborn that man was!! He is going to be greatly missed here on this earth but never forgotten!! He will live in our hearts forever! 

Pete's Life Celebration will begin with a Rosary to be recited on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 9:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 309 Stover Ave. SW Albuquerque, NM 87102. Mass will begin at 9:30 am also at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Pete will be laid to rest on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Mount Calvary Cemetery located at 1900 Edith Blvd. NE, 87102.

Due to COVID restrictions set in place by the Governor masks are MANDATORY to attend Pete's Rosary, Mass, and Burial. Sacred Heart Catholic Church has a capacity of 170 people allowed. Mount Calvary Cemetery is allowed to have 10 people at the graveside and asks that all attendees stand back in socially distant groups of 10.

Pallbearers will be Jr., Robert, Jeremiah, Raymond, Richard, and Jr.

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