Howard E. Purcell
Howard E. Purcell died on July 27 at his home in Amagansett. He was 84.
Born December 6, 1925, near Savannah, Georgia, he served in the Naval Aviation program as a pilot trainee and graduated from Georgia Tech in 1950 with a degree in industrial engineering. He was employed in management positions at Dan River Mills, Curtiss Wright and Boise Cascade Corp. He came to Amagansett in 1977 as co-owner of The Mill Garth, a popular guest complex, and retired to his home on Atlantic Avenue in 1982.
An avid gardener, he and his partner William Purcell created a house and garden that was featured in various magazines and on many garden tours. He was also very active in the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons and its fund-raising activities; the Amagansett Village Improvement Society, of which he was a board member; and the Montauk Bridge Club.
He is survived by three brothers, several nieces and nephews, and a large “family” of dear friends.
Arrangements are under the direction of Yardley & Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton. A memorial service will be announced in a future edition of The Press.
on Aug 3, 2010