Former Animal Control Officer, Bartender Dies

Robert F. Purtell passed away Oct. 5 at his home in Morris Township at age 69. Born in Morristown Nov. 29, 1943, Purtell was the one of four children born to James and Evelyn (nee Anderson) Purtell.  

Bobby, "Punchy" or "Bubbles" as he was called by his friends, was a retired bartender, having worked at many well-known Morristown establishments, and an animal control officer for St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison.

Purtell attended Morristown High School, loved Notre Dame, fishing at Burnham pond, softball, maintaining his lush lawn, and his beloved animals, especially his dog Jennifer, who was a Katrina Hurricane survivor and had been his constant companion for eight years. Purtell was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie No. 1311.

Purtell was the adored husband of Nora (nee Parker). He is survived by his devoted daughters: Carrie Mariconda and her husband, Mario Sr., and their children Mario Jr. and Ashley Nicole of Randolph and Colleen Purtell-Tappen and her husband John, and their children Jake and Luke of Morristown. Purtell is also survived by his daughter Tracey Dougherty and her family of Randolph. Brother to Jack Purtell of Randolph,  Maureen Russo of Vero Beach, Florida, Rick and Peggy Purtell of Bolivia, North Carolina, and brother-in-law to Stacey Parker, Wilmington, Delaware. Predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law James Russo. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation was at Doyle Funeral Home on Oct. 8 followed by a service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Purtell’s memory to St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, P.O. Box 159, Madison, NJ 07940.