David Purcell Obituary

NASHUA - David K. Purcell, beloved husband of Maurine (Breton) Purcell of Nashua, N.H., died peacefully after a lengthy illness on Nov. 13, 2023.

David was born in Manchester, N.H., Jan. 3, 1940, the son of the late Kenneth F. and Anna (Hudson) Purcell. He was raised in the Manchester area and graduated from Manchester Central High School in 1958. After graduation David entered the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving for 21 years. David traveled extensively during the Cold War and Vietnam eras including stints in Berlin, Germany, and Fort Yukon, Alaska. It was at this time that David married his first wife, Kathryne Whitney, with whom he had three children, Laura, Deborah and Scott. Finally, he was stationed near home, and he led the Air Force recruiting station in Nashua, N.H., where he was a recruiter from 1972-1980.

David was a born entertainer. He danced and sang from a young age, appearing in variety shows in Manchester with his parents as a child, and joining vocal groups and bands during his high school years. As an adult his love of vocal harmony led him to join the Barbershop Harmony Society where he sang in several quartets and also directed choruses including the Nashua Granite Statesmen. David was a versatile singer but was known mostly as a tenor and for his rendition of "Danny Boy."

Together with his wife, Maurine, they sang in a barbershop quartet "Both Sides of the Fence" with another couple, Ron and Camille Dubray. At the time it was very unusual for men and women to sing together as an organized Barbershop Quartet but their singing ability and comedic performances won over audiences wherever they performed.

David was one-of-a-kind. He was a singer, dancer, guitar, and ukulele player, and a master joke-teller. He could also bring the house down at karaoke nights with either a Roy Orbison ballad, an Aerosmith rocker or harmonize a duet with Maurine or one of his many friends.

He was a good athlete in his younger years, and even as an adult, never letting his son forget the time he beat him in basketball at an age when he had no business beating his son. He had a love-hate relationship with Boston sports teams, seemingly getting as much enjoyment out of complaining about them when they lost as he did by watching them win. He was a serious card player and there wasn't a game he didn't know how to play and play well. And when he won, he was a very exuberant winner to the annoyance of those he defeated.

As well as playing cards with friends, David loved fishing, his cats, Charlie and Benjamin, attending his grandchildren's events, his Tiki Bar, Suzy's Diner, wearing winter jackets in the middle of a July heatwave, action movies, cowboy hats, casinos and Lake Havasu Arizona.

But David's greatest love was for Maurine with whom he shared 45 blissful years of marriage. They met through their shared love of singing and built a lasting relationship that was truly "until death do us part." They were inseparable with many shared interests and had a very deep affection for one another. Their most cherished memories are the days spent in Alton Bay, N.H., and Lake Winnipesaukee. They honeymooned there and returned each year on their anniversary to celebrate another year of their love. In the end, Maurine cared for David during his illness with love and strength which enabled David to spend his last days in the comfort of home.

David was predeceased by Maurine's daughter and son. Kathleen Guy and Sean O'Leary, as well as Maurine's granddaughter, Chandler. David is survived by Maurine of Nashua N.H., and their children. His three children: Laura (Kosina) and her husband Alan of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Deborah (O'Meara) and her husband, John, of Bourne Mass., and Scott and his wife, Cassandra, of Hudson, N.H. He is also survived by Maurine's children, Michael O'Leary and his wife, Susan, of Bradford, Mass., Mary-Margaret Moore and her husband, Geoff, of Milford, N.H., and Terence O'Leary and his wife, Suzi, of Mesa, Arizona. Other survivors include his dear cousin, Suzanne Lajoie of Hooksett, N.H., and other cousins in the Manchester area, as well as his beloved grandchildren, Derek, Sean Paul, Weston, Erin, Laura, Annie, John Jr., Amandra, Deanna, Sandra, Kate, Adrian, Jenna, Lauren and Tim and seven great-grandchildren.

SERVICES: Arrangements are being handled by the Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St, Nashua N.H. David requested there be no services but his family welcomes all to leave a message of condolence online at www.davisfuneralhomenh.com. The Davis Funeral Home (603) 883-3401 "ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER."