Thomas Francis Purcell, 77, of Mystic, beloved husband of 56 years to Joan (Sullivan) Purcell passed away peacefully, Saturday, July 5, 2008 at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital after an extended illness. He was born on February 8, 1931 in Bronx NY and was the son of the late James and Johanna (Kennedy) Purcell. He married Joan on June 15, 1952 in New York. Shortly after they were married they moved to the Groton & Mystic area in 1954. Tom was a Chief Sonar Technician with the U.S. Navy and Plank Owner aboard the USS Patrick Henry (Gold) retiring after 26 years of dedicated service. Following his Navy career, he was employed with EB up until his final retirement in 1995. Tom was a longtime member of the Fleet Reserve Assoc. Secretary Branch 20 and the American Legion Post 9 New London. He was also a New York Yankees and UCONN Womens Basketball fan. Besides his wife, he leaves five children, Anne Goselin and her husband, Timothee, of Uncasville, Thomas Purcell Jr. of Ansonia, Joan Purcell and Martin Purcell both of Mystic, and Mary Renski and her husband, Ben, of Ledyard; a brother, Patrick Purcell and his wife, Beverly, of Vancouver WA; eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Timothee Jr. and Marie Goselin, Eva and Emily Renski, and Tabatha, Shannon and Danny Neiman; his two great-grandchildren, Alyvia Fauntleroy and Bryce Gagnon; his mother-in-law, Marie Sullivan of Mystic; a sister-in-law, Mary Purcell of FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother James Purcell and a sister, Genevieve Fischetti. Funeral services will begin Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 9:15 am from the Mystic Funeral Home Route 1 Mystic followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 am St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church Groton. Burial with full military honors will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery Mystic. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-8 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Southeastern CT 227 Dunham St. Norwich CT. 06360. or to the VNASECT 403 N. Frontage Rd. Waterford CT. 06385. The family invites you to visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com for the online guest book and directions.