Obituaries

William F. Purcell, Jr., 48, LTHS Board Member

The second-term Board member passed away at his home in La Grange on Monday.

Lyons Township District 204 Board member William F. Purcell, Jr. passed away in his La Grange home on Monday at the age of 48.

Purcell, a real-estate developer, was in his second four-year term on the Board of Education, having been first elected in 2005 and reelected in 2009. He served as the chairman of the Curriculum Committee from 2007-2009 and as chairman of the Facilities Committee since 2009.

As chair of the Facilities Committee, Purcell was "instrumental" in a district bond issuance and improvements in the swimming pool, fieldhouse and performing arts center, said a Lyons Township press release.

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“Bill always put students first and was supportive of not just LTHS, but the entire District 204 community," said D204 superintendent Tim Kilrea in the release. "He was proud to be a member of the Board of Education, and we are proud of his service. He will be missed very much."

“Bill will be remembered as a consummate professional with a keen eye for finances and facilities, an advocate for all students and a loving husband and father," added Board president Mark N. Pera, also in the release. "He was fully invested in this school district and his passion for improving the performance of all students will be missed.

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"It was an honor and privilege to serve with him.”

Purcell is survived by his wife Karen and four children.


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