Peter Andrew Purcell, Jr.
November 4, 1999 - June 3, 2015
Peter Andrew Purcell, Jr. (PJ) passed away on June 3rd, 2015. PJ was born November 4, 1999 to Peter and Nicki Purcell in Salt Lake City, Utah.
PJ attended Cosgriff Elementary School where he graduated as student body President. He was a freshman at Judge Memorial Catholic High school. PJ was an honor student and an outstanding athlete, twice representing Utah at the National Championships for ice hockey. He made the varsity golf and hockey team as a freshman at Judge. Whether it was a friendly game of basketball, or a family golf outing, everybody always wanted PJ on their team. PJ touched the lives of so many people in so many ways. He enjoyed watching movies with his sister Annemarie and playing video games with his brother Patrick. PJ enjoyed music and vacationing with his family. He was intelligent, patient, gentle, funny and kind to all. He was loved by many and he will be missed. His family is forever grateful to the many people who loved PJ and tried to help him in his recent battle with illness. He lost the battle but he will always be remembered for who he was, a special young man and a majestic joy to behold. May he rest in peace.
PJ is survived by his parents Peter and Nicki; his sister Annemarie and his little brother Patrick. He also leaves his maternal grandmother Pat Koch and his paternal grandparents Philip and Anne Purcell. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 9th from 6 to 8pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Complimentary valet parking will be available at the north entrance. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 10th at 11am at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 2315 Redondo Ave. Private family interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences my be given at www.starksfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the J. E. Cosgriff Memorial School.
In Loving Memory
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. The Winters Family
Betty Winters
Ogden, Ut
There are no words...Please know you are in our thoughts and in our hearts, as is PJ. The Butschke Family
Cathy Butschke
Oconomowoc, Wi
My deepest condolences to Nicki, Peter, Annemarie, Patrick, and all your family. PJ was a skilled hockey player, but in our sport, the measure of a special player is the manner in which he elevates the spirits and play of all around him. PJ will be terribly missed and I feel blessed to have been able to work with him. Thank you.
Anthony Musci
Salt Lake City, UT
Dearest Pete and Nicki, We cannot find the words to express our deepest sympathy. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kay and Don Simon
St George, Ut
my thoughts and prayers have been with you when I found out PJ was no longer here. I hadn't seen him since about January but the other week at the odezsa concert I was extremely filled with joy when I saw him. I ran and gave him a huge hug and I wish I could give him a hug again. PJ was so kind and funny and he will be missed by many. You're always in my heart PJ
Lindsey Van Buren
Salt Lake City, ut
Our hearts are breaking thinking of all of you. May you find strength in your family and may PJ rest in peace. Butch and Jackie Bingham
Butch and Jackie Bingham
Frankfort, Mi
Dearest Nicki, Pete and family...sending you much love from far away. No words could ever express my extreme sadness and sorrow for the loss of your son. Thinking of you, Kristina
Kristina (Ruzicka) Carpenter
Bellingham, WA
From our family to yours we send you much love and hope in this time of sadness. Our hearts are heavy as we think of the joy PJ brought to you and to this world and how we will all miss him. May you find the strength to persevere through these trying times and remember PJ for the happiness he brought to you. Our deepest condolences to you, Peter, and Nicki and your family.
Matt and Allyson Brickley
Sandy, Ut
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days.
Kristen Fishburn
Chicago, IL
I didn't know PJ, but I wish I did. Everyone I've talked to says he was such a wonderful person to be around. A lot of my friends were close to him and comforting them during this time has been hard. I'm sure this time has been even harder for his family and I can't imagine being in their shoes. I attend JDCHS and had the pleasure to offer on behalf of the JD community any help we can give to his grieving family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the grieving and have been for the past week and will continue to be. Deep love for all of you.
Ruby Rodriguez
West Jordan, Ut
I am Casey Bouillon's Aunt. Casey & PJ where friends & played Basketball together at Cosgriff Elementary. I attended all the games and I enjoyed watching PJ play his heart out. He was a great kid. May you all find comfort in Memories and Strength in each others love throughout this Very difficult time.
Robin Kelly
Salt Lake City, ut
Our thoughts and prayers are with Peters family. Every moment. Every day. What a beautiful young man! As a family, we are with you in your pain, your grief, your sorrow. From our home to yours, much love in a time of such overwhelming grief.
George Starks
Anacortes, Wa
I'm very sorry for your loss. PJ and I were on the same county rec hockey team one year. I will miss seeing him at the rink.
Grady Holm
Salt Lake City, Ut
Nicki I can't imagine how hard this is for you and your family. I hope that you find peace.
David Oakden
St George, Ut
RIP P.J I loved you not because you were the son of an old friend, I loved you far our sandlot games and you quirkiness. I loved you for wno you are.Not a mean bone in your body. A very special soul you are P.J.
Jake
Sedona, AZ