TROMBONIST RANDY PURCELL PASSES FROM LIFE ON MAY 16, 2009

[Dr. Nelson Harrison]

Randy passed away a few hours ago, Sat. May 16th at 11:18 PM. He was ill for quite a while, and though we prayed for a recovery, he had lost his will to live. Go to You Tube and watch him play Don't Let the Sun Come Down on Me with Maynard! Unfortunately he died at the relatively young age of 63 years. The sun came down on him - but at least we can still see him and hear him play.

---Leslie Purcell Upchurch (his sister)

Stay tuned to this network for funeral arrangements.

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[Jack Cenna]

I am deeply moved and saddened to hear of Randy's passing, and I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all of his family,Randy's parents, Jack and Jean, brother Rick, sister Leslie and Randy;s son ,Shawn and thier collective families. I was hired by Randy and worked with him for three years in the house band, at the now comitted to history, "Holiday House" I remember the passion and exuberance that Randy had for the art and the dedication, commitment and perseverence to the art form. In other words, " Randy was a player's player and a musician's musician" He will be missed by many including myself. Jack Cenna.

[Chris Thomas]

Randy gave me my first gig when I was a sophmore in college. I ended up playing regularly with him for almost seven years. I had a lot of great memories. I just spoke with Shawn. It looks like there is going to be a viewing next Saturday? Also the Post Gazzette is supposed to do an article.

Mrs. Upchurch wil you keep us posted on this site?

God bless the family at this time.

Sincerely,
Chris Thomas

[Leslie Purcell Upchurch]

The Memorial service for Randy is Saturday, May 23rd, at 3 PM at the Southminster Presbyterian Church on Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon. The viewing is Friday and I will post details when I know them.

Thanks for all of the memories - I am passing them on to everyone in the family.

Leslie Purcell Upchurch

[Dr. Nelson Harrison]

The memorial service is Sat., May 23rd, at 3 PM at the Southminster Presbyterian Church on Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon. It is the church my parents and Rick and his family attend.

There are viewing hours on Friday and I will send those when I have the details.

[Dr. Nelson Harrison]

Randy Purcell's viewing hours and location are as follows:
Friday May 22, 2009
2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm
Heard Funeral Home
4047 Perrysville Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15214
[phone]
www.heardfuneralhome.com

[Devorah Segall]

May Randy's soul be in peace and his memory be blessed.
My deepest condolences to Rick and Leslie, and Randy's entire family.
I feel for your loss and wish I could be there in person to give my support to you.
Peace to you,
Devorah Segall

[Paul Cosentino]

I am so sorry to say that I will be out of town this weekend and will miss the services for Randy. However, I will be on the road with my band doing what Randy would have wanted: "Keepin' it Together"!

I want to send my deepest regrets to the Purcell family, and I am sorry I won't get to re-connect with all my CMU pals, and other jazz notables who were friends of the Captain.

That being said, I think a jam session in Randy's honor is in order. Any thoughts on time/ place?

Paul Cosentino

[Jeanne Purcell]

To all of you on the Pittsburgh Jazz Network who have expressed their condolences,

The Purcell Family appreciates your friendship. We are glad Randy had so many friends in music.

Sincerely,
Jeanne and Jack Purcell

[George Gee]

A belated good bye to Randy Purcell. He was one of the first Pittsburgh jazz cats to believe in my musical aspirations and gave me the support and backing to make it happen. I will never forget the endless Tuesday jazz ensemble rehearsals he let me attend at Margaret Morrison 119 all throughout the 1980s. Thank you, old friend.