Charles Jerome Purnell

Charles Jerome Purnell, age 68, of Bear, DE, passed peacefully after a lengthy illness on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington, DE. “Jerry”, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, was born on November 29, 1948 to Calvin and Delia Purnell. He was the second of four children. Charles attended the Atlantic City school system and upon completion of graduation was drafted into the United States Army. During his time in the military he served 3 tours which included service in Vietnam and Korea. Charles retired from the military in 1990. Jerry married the love of his life, Olivia Groce in July of 1976 and began their new life in Yuma, AZ. Being in the military allowed Charles to travel to many countries which he loved, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France and Switzerland just to name a few. He was stationed in various parts of the United States and in Germany for many years. While in the military Jerry was very active with the Special Olympics both in Europe and Delaware. Some of Charles’ favorite things to do included bowling, traveling throughout the world and most importantly spending time with family and friends. Charles thoroughly enjoyed his job in Telecommunications and held several positions with Bell Atlantic, Wiltel, Verizon and IBM until his health began to fail. One of his greatest accomplishments through working can be seen at New Castle Airport where he constructed one of the communication towers. Charles loved his grandchildren greatly and also attending Lums Pond Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Everyone who met Charles enjoyed his warm personality. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Calvin and Delia Purnell; and two brothers, Booker J. Purnell and Calvin Purnell. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Olivia; a daughter, Kendra Crawford; two sons, Charles “Jermaine” and Julian Purnell; six grandchildren: Anthony, Demetrius, Maurice, Marc, Mason and Maranda, all of DE; a sister, Brenda J. Marshall (Harvey) of Atlantic City, NJ; in-laws; Harriet Purnell, of Egg Harbor, NJ; Wayne Groce (Mary) of Grand Island, NY; Veronica Carr (Wayne) of Newark, DE; Chicola Bryant (Willard) of Chocowinity, NC; Marilyn Hill (John) of Woodstown, NJ and Lorrese Groce of Burlington, NJ; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will also be missed by his childhood friend, Glen Pratt of Pleasantville, NJ. A visitation will be held Monday, January 9, 2017, from 9:30-11 AM in the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702 followed by a service in celebration of life at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 1 PM. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.stranofeeley.com

Charles Jerome Purnell

November 29, 1948 - December 28, 2016

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