Galen Morgan Purcell, 61
Galen Morgan Purcell passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023 at Kent General Hospital in Dover, DE surrounded by family after suffering complications following a heart attack.
Born in Bryn Mawr, PA, Galen is the son of the late Evelyn Gale Thornbury and Edward J. Purcell. He grew up in Radnor and graduated from Radnor High School. He received his Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Bloomsburg University, and received his Master's degree in Public Administration from Wilmington University.
From 1984 to 1987, he served in the United States Navy in the Supply Corps at the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. In July of 1989, he started his career with the Delaware State Police. He worked in various positions including Commander at Troop 3 and Captain of the DSP Academy, and he finished his 28 year career in March 2017 as Major in charge of Kent and Sussex County Operations. Following his retirement from the Delaware State Police, he worked for Delaware Capitol Police as the accreditation manager for four years.
Galen was a member of several organizations including the Sons of the American Revolution, the American Legion (Walter L. Fox Post #2), Delaware State Sportsman Association, Bridgeville Rifle and Pistol Club, Delta Pi Fraternity of Bloomsburg University Pennsylvania, Association of Retired Delaware State Police, and Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Galen enjoyed researching family history, working out and swimming at the Y, having discussions about any kind of history, socializing with his many friends (especially his Delta Pi brothers), spending time with his Canadian in-laws, and talking about his love of Ireland. Most importantly, Galen's favorite thing to do was spend time with his family, especially with his new grandson Connor, who he adored.
In addition to his father and mother, Galen is predeceased by his brothers Edward J. Purcell Jr. and Stephen E. Purcell and his sister Anne Kirby.
Survivors include his loving wife of 36 years, Lana (O'Connor) Purcell of Magnolia; children, Amanda Durham and her husband David of Dover, Patrick Purcell of Wilmington, and Caitlin Noce and her husband AJ of Newark; grandson, Connor Noce; sister, Wendie Marsden; niece, Melissa Robinson; aunt, Jane (Jim) Cullen and several cousins.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South (1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, DE). A memorial Mass will be held Friday, December 29, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Church (631 S. State Street, Dover, DE).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bayhealth Foundation, Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company, or Gift of Life.
Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com