David Edward Purcell, 52, passed away on April 29, 2020, at Yale New Haven
Hospital, as a result of a motorcycle accident.
David was born in the fall of 1967 in Ottawa, IL, to Edward L. Purcell and Judith A.
(Poundstone). David graduated from Ottawa Township High School in 1985.
Growing up, David played little league and basketball. As a teen, he enjoyed
discovering new bands and attending concerts.
After high school, David went on to earn his B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering
Technology from Northern Illinois University in 1990. While at college, David
joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where he formed many friendships, most
of which are still in-tact today. Following college, David earned his M.B.A. from
the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2003, where he was a member of Beta
Gamma Sigma and the International Business Honor Society.
Following college, David had a successful 20-year career within plastics
engineering, working for Owens-Brockway, Bucher, Krauss Maffei Corp., Bulk
Molding Compounds, Inc. and Wittmann Battenfeld, Inc., before moving into his
current role as President and CEO of WAFIOS Machinery Corporation. In charge of
the US division which is headquartered in Branford, CT, David’s leadership of
WAFIOS Machinery Corporation for the past 9 years brought the company to new
heights, markets and success. His involvement in industry trade groups touched
many customers and friends. David shaped WMC and WAFIOS group with his
positive attitude to life, unique leadership style and innovative ideas. He truly
respected each and every WAFIOS customer; indeed, he respected everyone. He
loved his work and every interaction was meaningful, purposeful and in the spirit
of fairness. The industry will miss his presence dearly.
David leaves behind his wife, Heather Rowe-Purcell of Branford, CT. While only
recently married, they enjoyed more than seven years together as a couple
boating, traveling, running, golf, skiing and mountain biking. He also leaves behind
his two sons Cole and Ben Purcell, two step-children Onna and Samuel Gott, sister
Heather Purcell-Bushno (Craig) niece Skyler, mother-in-law Susan Rowe, sister-inlaws Beth Mullen (Paul) nieces Kate and Clare, nephew Matt, Carrie Rowe (Jim),
and step-brother Kurt Zwanzig, as well as many adoring aunts, uncles, cousins,
friends and colleagues.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
David’s greatest joy in life was being a father to Ben and Cole, and then to Onna
and Sam. The memories, stories and photographs with his wife and children are a
window into a life filled with faith, love, support and Sunday family dinners. His
friendships ran wide and deep, and the loss of such a great man is felt by many.
He was laid to rest in Oakwood Memorial Park in the Garden of Hymns.
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