Michael (Mike) Purcell, a master carpenter and resident of Pawling, NY, died unexpectedly at home on July 29, 2017 at the age of 63.
Mike is survived by his life partner Shari E. Chertok of Pawling, NY, and his siblings Bill, and his wife Judy, of Hastings NY; Jim, and his wife Jo, of St. Regis Falls, NY; Mary DeVeau, and her husband Peter, of Kansas City, MO; Jean Lipscomb, and her husband Tom of Dahlonega, GA; Kevin of Fairbanks, AK; Teresa Martin, and her husband Bill, of Arvada, CO; Tom, and his wife Wendy, of Wingdale, NY; and 14 nieces and nephews and their children.
Mike was born in Mt. Kisco, NY on March 5, 1954 to William and Jean Purcell, who predecease him. He was a proud graduate of the school of hard knocks, learning his crafts of carpentry and woodworking over the years. Mike specialized in historic restorations and was a well thought of and sought out restorer.
Mike was an avid naturalist and environmental champion. He fought for watershed management and sustainability. He enjoyed his work with Friends of the Great Swamp, the Pawling Conservation Board, the Oblong Land Conservancy, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension. Mike was a man who would help you out when you needed a hand. He worked with the Pawling Resource Center to help those in need. Mike loved music, history, gardening, and cooking. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A memorial service is scheduled from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2017 with a service at 4:30, at Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home, 83 East Main Street, Pawling, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pawling Resource Center, 126 East Main Street (PO Box 331), Pawling, NY 12564.
To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.hornandthomesfuneralhome.com.
