R. PATRICK PURCELL, MATAMORAS, PA.

R. Patrick Purcell, age 61, of Matamoras, PA, passed away Friday, March 20, 2009 at Community Medical Center, V.N.A. Hospice, Scranton, PA.He was born on August 27, 1947 in Port Jervis, NY, the son of the late Robert Patrick Purcell and Rosemary Stead Purcell.Patrick was a retired Treatment Assistant at the Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Center, New Hampton, NY. He was a communicant of St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Matamoras, PA. He proudly served our country during the Vietnam War with the U.S. Marines, and is a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. He is also a member of The American Legion, Milford, PA, and the Tri-State Naval Ship #7241, Port Jervis.He is survived by two sisters, Mickey Celestina and her husband, Frank of Milford, PA and Mary Codichini and her husband, Richard of Matamoras, PA; his nephews, Shane Cady and John Codichini; nieces, Amanda Meltzer and Bridget Celestina; and several cousins. He is also survived by his childhood and lifelong friend, Bill Carroll.Friends may call Sunday, March 22, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E.Main St., Port Jervis, NY. The vigil wake service will be held Sunday afternoon at the funeral home with Rev. August Ricciardi officiating.Prayers will be offered Monday, March 23, at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Matamoras, PA with Rev. August Ricciardi as celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis, NY with military honors.Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd, Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852-9813 or to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit knight-auchmoody.com.