Leo Richard Pursell, Sr.
Leo Richard Pursell, Sr., of Forks Township, PA, and formerly of Alpha, NJ, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, a few days past his 88th birthday. He was an outstanding man of faith and service: a volunteer in the truest sense.
A devoted son of the late Charles, Sr. and Mabel Pursell of Finesville, NJ. Leo was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to all who knew him. He grew up on his family’s farm and later enjoyed working part-time for his friend, Bob Frey.
A 1956 graduate of Phillipsburg High School, he retired as a mechanic from Jersey Central Power & Light. He was a cherished member of the community serving on Alpha Boro Council. Leo was a valued member of the Alpha Volunteer Fire Company and a member of the New Jersey Fire Chiefs Association, United Presbyterian Church in Alpha, Easton-Phillipsburg Old Timers group, as well as a lifetime member of Huntington Fire, Safety First, and Liberty Hose. His friends called him Lawnmower Leo because he could fix any mechanical device. He was a self-taught DIYer helping with repairs and improvements throughout all the houses he resided in, as well as his kids’ projects.
Leo was a faithful fan of the Phillipsburg Stateliners, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies, and Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs and enjoyed watching NASCAR on TV. He enjoyed hosting breakfasts, brunches, and dinners with family. He loved to travel and collect high school yearbooks.
Surviving: Wife of 65 years, Myrna (Butler) Pursell, children: daughters Jill Homa (husband Greg), Cheryl Pursell, and Cathy Harrison (husband Charles) and his son, Leo, Jr aka Pete (wife Jacqueline). Grandchildren: Jonelle Davis (Steve), Gregory Homa (Mandy), Natalie (Melanie) & Paige Pursell, Megan Schoefield & Jason Paulus. Great-grandchildren: Rowan & Rayne Davis, Hunter Homa, Sister, Ruth Trincheria, and nieces and nephews.
Special thank you to caretakers Jen, Lou, and Linda.
In addition to his parents, Leo was predeceased by siblings Charles Jr, Edna, Marion, Mary, Mabel, Shirley, Cecilia and nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his son-in-law Robert Wysocki.
Calling hours will be Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 4 to 7pm at the Finegan Funeral Home, 924 Second Avenue, Alpha, NJ. The funeral is scheduled for Friday, December 19 at 10:30 am and will take place at the funeral home. Burial will be immediately after the service at the United Presbyterian Church cemetery in Alpha, NJ. Rev. Tex Colton will officiate the service. Visit www.fineganfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name to the Alpha Volunteer Fire Company, 1109 Lee Avenue, Alpha, NJ 08865