Russell A. Purnell

Russell Arnold Purnell, 87, of Boyertown, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Chestnut Knoll where he had been residing. Born in Barnesville, PA to the late Arnold and Irene (Umberger) Purnell, Russell was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, and friend.

Russell was a graduate of Tamaqua High School, earned a Bachelor's degree from Muhlenberg College followed by a Master's degree in Education from Temple University. He devoted his career to shaping young minds as a dedicated science teacher at Owen J. Roberts School District, where he imparted his passion for science and the wonders of the natural world to his high school students until his retirement in 1996.

 Russell was married to his beloved wife, Charlotte (Swann) Purnell, for 34 wonderful years before her passing in 2014. He cherished every moment spent with his family.

 As an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Pottstown, Russell was chair of music and worship committee for many years. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as fishing and boating in Wildwood, listening to classical music, and tinkering on various projects. He considered himself a mountain man, and enjoyed finding solace in nature through camping. His curiosity also drew him to astronomy and physical science, fueling a lifelong love of learning.

Russell is survived by his four children, David Purnell and wife, Tammy, Karen Kerns and husband, Don, Sue Fryer and husband, Mark and Robert Cox and wife, Tracy; 13 grandchildren, Chris Spence, Eric Specht and wife, Rachael, Matthew Purnell and wife, Sydney, Daniel Purnell and wife, Lyndsey, Lauren Specht, Alex Fryer, James Purnell and wife, Alexis, Leah Fryer, Joseph Cox, Hope Fryer, Julianne Cox, Aaron Cox and Christopher Fryer; and three great-grandchildren, Maura Specht, Hallie Purnell and Kieran Specht. He is predeceased by a brother, Paul Purnell, a daughter, Connie Wong, and her husband, Gerald.

 A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 150 N. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19464. A private burial will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Pennsburg. A public viewing will begin at 9 AM at the church prior to the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home, East Greenville.