Joseph D. Purcell, Jr., 'The Chief,' born in New York City in 1914 and moved to Long Branch in 1917. Mr. Purcell graduated from Long Branch High School in 1934. The Chief was appointed to the Long Branch Police Department in 1938, appointed to Detective in 1946, Sergeant in 1953, Captain in 1955 and Chief of Police in 1962. Chief Purcell graduated from the FBI National Academy in March 1948-1949. He graduated from Superior Offices Training, Trenton, NJ and was on the staff of the Monmouth County Police Academy, Freehold, NJ. Chief Purcell was honored many times throughout his career by his community, friends and the many civic organizations in Long Branch from his outstanding dedication to his police work. He was truly devoted to his life's calling and was honored to serve his community retiring in 1970. He was a parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea RC Church, Christ the King Parish, Long Branch. The Chief was also a member of the Harpoon and Needle Club, Long Branch. In 1972, Joseph went on to work at Atlantic Records New York City where is discovered the world of Entertainment, retiring in 1981. Chief Purcell was predeceased by his son, Joseph D. Purcell, III, his parents, Joseph and Anna Moore Purcell, and his sister's, Claire Dougherty, Mildred Pearsall. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years Gladys Gill Purcell; his daughters and son-in-law, Anne and Sheldon Vogel, and Judith Anne Ziegler; his daughter-in-law Dorothy Meyer Purcell; his brother and sister-in-law, James and Helen Gill; his sister Helen Colemorgan and his sister-in-law, Rose Gill. The Chief was grandfather to Wendy Purcell, Drew and Debbie Purcell, Kyle and Stacy Purcell, Tracy and Michael Matthews and Brian Ziegler; and great grandfather to Zachery Purcell, Carly Purcell, Francesca Purcell, Isabella Purcell and Ava Anne Matthews. He also had many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Thursday, January 21st , 4-6 PM at the Woolley Funeral Home, 10 Morrell St. at Broadway, Long Branch. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 22nd, 10 AM at Star of the Sea RC Church, Christ the King Parish, Long Branch. Interment will follow at Woodbine Cemetery. You may light a candle of Condolence on the opposite page.