Fr. Robert H. Purcell
Retired pastor of Sacred Heart in Margaretville. Removed in 3/2011, age 76, after a recent abuse claim dating to 1957, 17 years prior to ordination. Purcell denied the allegation. The District Attorney’s office chose not to pursue criminal charges. The Diocese later admitted that there were several allegations received in 2010. Purcell died 7/17/2014. His obituary praised his priesthood; the Diocese later apologized for the obituary, saying it was inappropriate due to Purcell’s suspended privileges. Included in 11/2015 on the Diocese’s list of accused.
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