Russell Jerome Purcell, 92, of Algonquin, Illinois, passed away peacefully on the 4th of July, 2025, with his wife by his side.
He was born on January 4, 1933 in New York City, New York, to Virginia Forscythe. He married Judith “Judy” Parsons on November 17, 1962 in Oakland, California. Russell was a proud Corpsman Veteran, serving both the Navy and the Marines. He received two Purple Heart Medals, among other accolades, during his service in the Korean War.
After his time in the military, Russell worked for 9 years as a Salesman for AB Dick Printing. During his time there, he was relocated to northern Illinois where Russell and Judy moved their family to in 1970. For the latter half of his life, Russell and Judy were successful small business owners, with Russell holding the title of President, starting Copy Specialty in 1974 and Hot Copy Shirt Shop in 1976. They evolved Hot Copy Shirt Shop into Dance ‘N Tees in 1982 due to their daughter’s love of dance, which is still in business 43 years later.
Russell was a Mason of the 32nd degree and member of the Palatine Lodge 314 and subsequently a Medina Shriner. He was a self-described tech wiz and a diehard fan of Apple since its inception.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Judy Purcell; his daughters, Kim Michele Hodges, Kelly Lynn (Randal) Skepnek, and Kristi (Timothy) Keefe; and his granddaughters, Kenna (Nicholas) Sudderth, and Kylie G. (Riley) Rowan.
Russell was preceded in death by his mother and his adopted father.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 9am until time of service at 10am at DeFiore Funeral Home – 10763 Dundee Rd. Huntley, Illinois, 60142. Burial will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, at 1:30pm. Memorial donations are suggested to Disabled American Veterans and/or Paralyzed Veterans of America.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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Our sincerest empathy in the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Sending Our love and prayers♡
Our deepest condolences on the loss of a good neighbor and patriot. He will truly be missed. Our warmest thoughts and prayers for his family in this difficult time.