Charles Purcell Obituary

His torts class was my first law school class at Loyola. He seemed stern and imposing in that first class. As the semester went on he became a warm and kind man; but most definitely not an easy grade. You had to earn your grade. For the last thirty years he is the teacher I think about when I remember law school. A lawyer's lawyer and a law professor's law professor. I always wanted to thank him. Now its too late. I'm certain he is in heaven trading "war stories" with Professor Lemke. He must have been a wonderful father and grandfather. My condolences.

April 7 2010
I extend my sincere condolences to the entire Purcell family. Take some confort in remembering the quality of the man and his contributions to the condition of society. Through our association at the Loyola School of Law I came to know him as a consistent pillar of strength for the school. It will always be appreciated. Mark Braun

Dean Purcell was my torts professor in 1973-74. He called on me just once - the first day of second semester, and I was unprepared to respond to his question. He didn't say a cross word or otherwise reproach me. Instead, he just looked at me for a few moments (seemed like an eternity) before calling upon another. I never forget that incident or its lesson on the virtue of preparedness - a lesson that has stayed with me for my career.

My condolences to the Purcell family on their loss. Dean Purcell was a fine person and a fine teacher. May he rest in peace.

Just a note of sympathy for your Zimmer cousins in South Dakota.

Charlie inspired many and was a wonderful and caring man who put others first. Always with a sense of humor. When I was a first-year evening law student at Loyola, Justice Stevens was going to give a speech at the Standard Club in Chicago. I was working in the Clerk's Office of the Seventh Circuit and Justice Stevens came to the front counter and handed me his speech and asked that I make 100 copies and run them over to the Club. I quickly complied. When I arrived at the Standard Club, Justice Stevens motioned me over in a crowd of important people. He was talking with a very attentive Charlie Purcell and they obviously had a good relationship. Charlie looked at me with one of those "I know that I know you from somewhere" type of looks. Justice Stevens kindly turned to me as I hand him the copies, and then turns to Charlie: "Charlie, have you met my good friend Gary Wente?" That night in class, Charlie begins the evening by wryly making eye contact with me in the back row and announcing, "Tonight we have the distinct honor of having Justice Stevens good friend, Mr. Wente, explain the case of Erie v. Tomkins..." I still smile when I think about it - now that 27 years have mellowed the fear. We joked about it often. Charlie will be deeply missed.

Please accept my sincere condolences for his passing. Prof. Purcell was my torts teacher 1988-1989, and it was truly one of my favorite classes. Indeed, it was the area of law I choose to concentrate in and now I teach it to paralegals at Truman College. He was truly an inspiration to me.

Dean Purcell gave me a second chance in 1972 after I had dropped out of U of IL law school the year before due to death of my father. Dean said I would have to work for it and so put me in the night school from which I earned my J.D. in 1976. I would not be where I am today if not for Dean Purcell. I am glad to know we shared a love for the White Sox and railroads (34 years as in house counsel for railroads). God rest his soul.

I was saddened to learn that Prof. Purcell has passed. He was a great torts law professor and I have many fond memories. My sincere condolences go to his family.

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Purcell family at this time. I truly enjoyed Professor Purcell as a professor and a person. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and I learned so much from him in torts and products liability. I will always remember "Choo Choo Charlie" fondly! My deepest condolonces; he will truly be missed.

Professor Purcell was a kind, compassionate man who had great patience with students like me. I enjoyed hearing about his passion & love for trains in some of his lessons. I am deeply sadden by his passing & I am honored to have had him teach me Torts for my Health Law Degree at Loyola. Please know he will always be remembered, not just by me, but, by the many students he has taught throughout his years at Loyola.

While more than 40 years have passed since I had the honor of having Dean Purcell as a teacher at Loyola Law School it seems like yesterday. May he be remembered not only as the great law professor that he was but also as a true friend and mentor of every student he taught. My sincere condolences to his wife and family upon his passing.

I have very fond memories of my years at Loyola Law School, including Dean Purcell's leadership. My condolences to his family.
Peggy Northrop, 1975

To the Purcell family,
My sincere condolences on your loss. Prof. Purcell will be missed by many.
Sandra M. Rosenbloom, JD Loyola, 1992

Dean Purcell was the first teacher I met when I started law school at Loyola, and he was of great assistance to me. He was a credit to Loyola and one of those truly wonderful people you consider yourself blessed to meet along the way. I'm sure he's missed by family and friends alike.

Taught me, I mean really TAUGHT me Torts in 1974. Good guy.
Dan Murray '76

I'm sure I'm just one of thousands of Loyola law grads that are saddened by Professor Purcell's passing. I hope his family takes comfort in knowing that his memory lives on in every attorney that was fortunate enough to take his class...

Thank you for sharing Professor Purcell with the Loyola community for so many years. He was one of my favorite professors and made my first year of law school much less scary than I feared it would be. I'm sure many sentiments like this will be shared with you over the coming days, and I hope that they bring you the comfort that is often difficult to find in these moments.

Dear Purcell Family:

Please accept my sincere condolences on Dean Purcell's untimely passing. Back in 1971, he was one of my first teachers. He was enthusiastic and friendly but also demanding and fair. Even those of us who never pursued tort law as a career learned a great deal about law, lawyering and life from Dean Purcell. May his memory be a blessing to you and your family forever.

Sincerely,

Ann and Family,

Our deepest condolences on your loss.

From a RENEE LOCKS' card:
In the stars I see openings to heaven where the love of our departed ones pours through and shines blessings upon us. Heartfelt wishes for peace, serenity and strength.

Patricia and Michael Bailey

Charlie was my Dean and my friend. He made it possible for me to take a year off law school and return without any difficulty. I will always remember his good nature and genuine interest in my career and my well being. I owe him a big thank-you.

Michael, the Wellness Center staff and Dominican community join me in sending to you and your family our condolences and sharing our deep hope that you recieve all the comfort and peace you need.