Dr. Robert E. Purnell

Remembering Dr. Robert E. Purnell, legendary optometrist

The accomplished optometrist, community servant, and man of faith joined his loving savior on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at age 79. He will long be remembered for his passion, love, kindness, generosity, positivity, charity, and infectious smile.

Former resident of Montville Township, Robert “Doc” Purnell was born on September 19, 1942, the son of Dr. Herbert C. Purnell and Anne (Hascup) Purnell of Saddlebrook, NJ. He is survived by his older brothers, both missionaries, Herbert (Thailand) and Richard “Dick” Purnell (Cru, formerly Campus Crusades), the love of his life, his wife, Sandra (Loux) Purnell whom he was married to for over 55 years. A loving father to his sons Robert Schorn (Martha) and Timothy John (Alexandra) and doting grandfather to Troy, Krista, Nixon, Chase, Nolan, Leyla, and Adrianna.

Doc was a graduate of Lodi High School and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Before joining his father’s practice in Rutherford, he and Sandra provided free optometric care on a Navajo Indian Reservation. Taking over the family practice from his father, the Family Care Vision Center is the longest continuous medical office of any type in the state, founded by Dr. Franklin Seward in 1886. Doc received the 2009 New Jersey Optometric Public Service Award.

Doc was known as “Mr. Montville” serving for over 24 years on the Township Committee and as Mayor from 1991-1993. Mayor “Doc” Purnell was inducted into the Elected Official's Hall of Fame in 1998 and received Mayor Emeritus status. In 1993, he was selected as the Montville Citizen of the Year. Doc was a commissioner for the Montville Township Fire Department and volunteered for both Montville and Morris County’s National Park System and Open Space Committees, relentlessly fighting for open space. As such, he and his wife personally maintained two trails at the Tourne and Pyramid Mountain.

Doc served many philanthropic organizations, most notably the Jaycees and Lions Club. He served as the state vice president and National Director of the US Jaycees, where he received the Outstanding Man of America Award and founded Camp Jaycees, a camp for intellectual and developmental disabilities, in 1971. He also received a lifetime member award through the Lions Club for collecting eyeglasses for the needy.

Doc was passionate about his church, The Chapel, in Lincoln Park, NJ. He served as an elder, member of the choir, and greeter. He also served on the board of Hope for a Thousand Hills (coffee plantations in Rwanda) and as the President of Team Healthcare for short-term medical mission trips for over 20 years.

Doc loved spending time with family, serving as a volunteer coach, scoutmaster, and Indian guides leader. He loved gardening, golfing, hiking, crabbing, power-walking, camping, and traveling. Doc was always known for his map reading skills and abilities.  

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to The Chapel or the Dr. Robert E Purnell scholarship fund for a graduating Montville High School student (https://gofund.me/378e6b8d)