Robert Joseph Purcell
Feb. 9, 1915-Feb. 23, 2012
Palo Alto, California

Bob passed way peacefully at home in Palo Alto on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012.

Born in New York City, he attended Brooklyn Prep and graduated from Fordham University in 1935 and then started his career in commercial real estate. While working as a civilian at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio, he met co-worker Marguerite Fuetsch, the love of his life, in 1942. They were married upon his return from naval service in the Pacific in 1946.

He was a devoted husband for 65 years and a loving father of seven children and grandfather of 17. Bob and Marguerite started married life in San Francisco and moved to their residence in Palo Alto in 1951.

Bob had a long and well-respected career in San Francisco in commercial real estate, serving in 1959 as President of the Building Owners and Managers Association. In 1965 he was recruited by Hare, Brewer and Kelley, to develop and manage the Palo Alto Office Center, at the time the largest structure in Palo Alto. He finished his distinguished career in San Jose.

Following his retirement, he volunteered with the Food Closet in Palo Alto, worked with adults at Project Read, and traveled extensively with Marguerite. Bob and Marguerite welcomed into their home people from around the world -- international students from Stanford, refugees, and travelers in need of a "home away from home."

In addition to Marguerite, Bob is survived by daughters Reggie Winner, Ronnie Hee (Pat), Terry Surguine (Greg), Mary Seabury (John) and Greta Purcell (Mike Jawetz), as well as sons Kevin Purcell (Susan) and Carl Purcell (Sarah), and grandchildren Rob (Lindsay), Andy and Marty Winner, Brendan, Charlie (Jana), Mike and Alaina Hee, Monica and Allison Surguine, Amanda and Christopher Purcell, Lauren and Ian Seabury, Laura and Michael Purcell and Sean and Chris Jawetz.

Bob was proud of his classical Jesuit education. He often challenged friends and family to find a word that he could not both spell and define. No one ever did! His warm, generous spirit and strong commitment to his family, faith, and friends will be fondly remembered.

Tags: veteran, business