William L. Pursell

May 18, 1928 - November 2, 2018

We are saddened today to say that our dad and friend, Bill Pursell, left this life to spend eternity with, among others, his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Lou. He was born on May 18, 1928 in Bridgeport, CT to William A and Helen (Inman) Pursell. After graduating from Bassick High School, he joined the US Army and served during the Korean War. Upon his return, Bill took a position at Bassick Corporation, graduated from Quinnipiac College, married Mary Louise Philbin and settled in New Haven, CT where he raised seven children. He was most happy when he was surrounded by his family. The big annual events (i.e. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, July 4th) became bigger as children married and had children who then had children of their own. And of course, cousins and friends would often show up since the open-door policy was always in effect. Bill was in his element at these affairs of 30 or more, which was noteworthy for this “only child”. The Pursell gang also provided ample opportunity to fill in his weekly dance card with numerous birthdays, sporting events and theater performances. In addition to the above, he still found time to serve for many years as a Cub Scout Leader, a father’s club board member of both Notre Dame HS and Sacred Heart Academy and member of the St Aedan’s Parish Council. Bill loved the Milford shore and could not wait for the summer breeze to beckon him there each year since 1940.. His most enduring quality, however, may well have been his welcoming persona. People were drawn to him by his smile and warm handshake and immediately felt they were his friend. Bill laughed at his faults and foibles and would take pleasure in hearing his kids relate them in elaborate detail to others …a quality much in demand today. He took a genuine interest in what you did, was a sounding board on issues in your life and of course dispensed sage advice on any topic – regardless of knowledge or experience. An excerpt from a poem by Linda Ellis – the Dash – seems appropriate: ‘I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning… to the end. He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.” We will miss you Bill, your dash has made all the difference in our lives. Bill’s loving family includes children Bill (Patty), Rob (Denise) and Mary Kay (Guy Dupont) Wallingford, Tom (Mary) New Haven, Ken MD (Jaqueline Pongracic MD) Chicago, IL. Susan Pursell MD (Michael Wack MD) Newburyport, MA and Joan (Chris Fleming) Fairfield, CT; 17 grandchildren: Kelly McGrath (Pat), Meghann Glick (Eric), Shannon Faenza (Matt), Bill, Rob, Florette, Caitlin, Brendan and Julia Pursell; Charlie and Dan Dupont; Skylar, Dylan and Demi Wack; Mikaela, Collin and Keira Fleming and 5 great grandchildren: Maggie, Tommy and Ellie McGrath; Jackson and Riley Glick. Funeral from Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden Thursday at 9:30 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Wallingford. Burial in All Saints Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4 - 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Save The Sound or Boys Scouts of America. To leave an online condolence please visit www.siskbrothers.com