William J. Puricellio

Herrin - William J. "Bill" Puricellio, 78, died at 12:26 A.M., Sunday, September 23, 2001 at Toledo Hospital, Toledo, Ohio. He was born on November 15, 1922 in Herrin to August and Constanza (Brasca) Puricellio. He married Jeanette Dezutti on October 1, 1960 in Herrin. She preceded him in death on February 25, 1982. Mr. Puricellio retired as partner of Chase Welding Supply Co., Inc. in Benton with his brother, the late Charles "Red" Puricellio. Bill was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. He was also a member of the 3rd and 4th degrees of the Herrin Knights of Columbus; he was a patron Eagles lifetime member, a member of the Herrin Eagles, VFW, American Legion, Herrin Senior Citizens, Pigeon Inn, the Recording Secretary for the Christopher Columbus Cooperative (CC Club) from 1967-1985. He was a volunteer for HerrinFesta Italiana. He was a WWII Army Veteran where he was stationed with the 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion in the South Pacific. SURVIVORS: Nephew- Dr. Richard H. Roberts- Sylvania, OH Niece- Jeanette & husband Leroy Brandon- Herrin Niece- Judith K. "Judy" Puricellio- Benton Niece- Jane Van Duch- Oak Lawn, IL Several other nieces of Herrin Cousin- Rose Garavaglia- Herrin Sister in law & brother in law - Madelon & Virgil "Bird" Melvin- Herrin He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, Charles "Red" Puricellio, sister, Mary Roberts, cousin, Angelo Garavaglia and sister in law, Eda Cavalli. A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a. m. on Thursday, September 27, 2001 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Mnsg. Ken Schaefer will officiate. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery where military rites will be provided by the Herrin VFW and American Legion Posts. A visiting hour will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a. m. on Thursday at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Mary's Education Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information about this service or others, or to sign the memorial guest register, please log on to ww.hughesfuneralhomes.com.