Patrick James Purcell (Pat) was born in Washington, D.C., on August 29, 1956. He moved to Orlando, Florida in 1958 and grew up in Maitland where he attended Dommerich Elementary, Maitland Junior High and Winter Park High. He excelled in sports, was witty, intelligent, kind and caring of his 3 sisters. It was in his sophomore year he was diagnosed with the neurobiological disorder from hell – schizophrenia. From then until 1989, he existed mostly in hospitals. He did not respond to the traditional medicines – not even multiple electro-convulsive therapy ECT, often languishing in leg and wrist restraints. In the meantime, his parents joined The National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI and in 1985 founded the local chapter, now serving 4 counties, NAMI Greater Orlando 407-253-1900. It was at a National Conference of NAMI the Purcells heard about a new medication – Clozaril. They convinced the Board of his hospital to enter trials and try Pat on the new drug. Within days, staff reported his marked improvement! It worked!! Later, Pat was released to a group home facility followed by an apartment and driving his own car. He and dad, Bill, became ushers at St. Mary Magdalene where they served for many years. They became golf buddies and travel companions, going on many international adventure trips. Pat never passed a beggar without giving. He always remembered Christmas and birthdays of his little family including plenty of scratch-offs in each card. In later years before his debilitating physical illnesses, he became his parents’ key home helper and best friend. His lung illness worsened. He could not rally. Pat died December 20, 2025 of complications from lung cancer and COPD. Pat’s is a story of healthcare, NAMI, family support, pharmaceuticals and government assistance. He was preceded in death by his father, William Osborne Purcell. He is survived by his mother, Ann Purcell, sisters: Page and her spouse, Timothy Morris, Sara and her partner, John Backer, Samantha and her spouse, Christina Garrett Purcell; niece, Hannah Wooten, and her spouse, Justin Eason; special cousins – the Blantons (Virginia), Jameses (Georgia) and Griffins (Florida). Baldwin Brothers is in charge of arrangements. A private remembrance will be held.