Francis T. Purcell

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Francis Thomas Purcell (born 11 August 1918)[1] is a former Republican politician who was county executive of Nassau County, New York, United States from 1978 to 1987. Purcell served as a Village Trustee and Mayor of the Village of Malverne, a member of the New York State Assembly, Supervisor of the Town of Hempstead and Presiding Supervisor of the Town of Hempstead before becoming County Executive in 1978. After resigning in 1987, Purcell became a political commentator for Cablevision's news channel News 12 Long Island.

In 2004, a section of land formerly called Hempstead Plains was dedicated to Purcell in honor of his service and dedication to Nassau County.[1]

Early life

Purcell was born to Thomas (d. 1942) and Annette (d. 1972) Purcell[2] on 11 August 1918 in Brooklyn, New York.[3] A star athlete at Malverne High School, he was signed to play baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers but never played for them because he joined the army in 1941. He was discharged in 1945 with the rank of captain.[3]

Career

Purcell was elected mayor of Malverne in 1955.[3] In 1964, he was elected to the New York State Assembly, although he was not the Republican Party's choice for the seat.[4] He was elected to the post of town supervisor of the Town of Hempstead three successive times, starting in 1965.[5]

He was elected to the post of County Executive of Nassau County, in 1977. He secured the nomination of the Republican Party over fellow Republican and incumbent county executive Ralph G. Caso, who also opposed Purcell in the general election. He took office in January 1978.[6][7]

Purcell easily won re-election in 1981[8] and 1985.[9] In December 1986, near the end of the first year of his third term, he announced his retirement from politics and his intention to join Cablevision as a political analyst and commentator.[10]

Personal

Purcell has 3 children, Patricia, Kim, and Diane. He has 7 grandchildren, Shawn, Brian, Kevin, Cory, Lisa, Matthew and David, and 8 great-grandchildren. He currently resides in West Palm Beach, Florida with his wife Barbara.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Mummolo, Jonathan (2004-08-12). "65 Acres at Mitchel Field Preserve parcel dedicated to Purcell". Newsday. 
  2. ↑ "Mrs. Thomas Purcell". The New York Times. 1972-02-01. p. 40. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Goldman, Ari L. (1977-03-20). "Purcell: 'I Like a Good Fight'". The New York Times. p. 394. Retrieved 2009-11-24. 
  4. ↑ Silver, Roy E. (1964-06-03). "An Insurgent Republican Wins Assembly Contest in Nassau". The New York Times. p. 31. Retrieved 2009-11-24. 
  5. ↑ "Purcell Says He Will Leave Post in Nassau". The New York Times. 1986-12-02. p. B1. 
  6. ↑ Silver, Roy R. (1977-11-09). "Purcell Leads G.O.P. in Nassau, Taking County Executive's Post". The New York Times. p. 32. 
  7. ↑ "Purcell Installed in Nassau". The New York Times. 1978-01-08. p. 18. 
  8. ↑ McQuiston, John T. (1981-11-04). "Purcell Wins by Landslide in Nassau Election". The New York Times. p. B6. Retrieved 2009-11-24. 
  9. ↑ "Major Incumbents Win On L.I. and in Rockland". The New York Times. 1985-11-07. p. B8. 
  10. ↑ "Purcell to Become A Cable TV Analyst". The New York Times. 1986-12-03. p. B4. 
Political offices
Preceded by
Anthony Barbiero		 New York State Assembly, Nassau County 1st District
1965 		Succeeded by
District abolished
Preceded by
Ralph G. Caso		 County executive of Nassau County
1978–1987 		Succeeded by
Thomas Gulotta
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