William J. Purtell, 51, of Marion passed away Wednesday, April 20 due to complications from a spinal cord injury.

Born in Sumter, South Carolina, he lived in Mattapoisett and Marion for most of his life.

Bill was a fishing boat captain and boat owner in the New Bedford commercial fishing fleet, and the owner of M.E. Fisheries. He formerly managed Ketcham Traps in New Bedford.

He enjoyed motorcycles, motorsports, hockey and NASCAR.

He is survived by his children, Emma Bea Purtell and Louis Maxwell Purtell and their mother Ruah Mendes of Marion; his mother, Patricia A. (Burton) Purtell and her companion Dennis Costa of New Bedford; his father, William B. Purtell of Bristol, Rhode Island; his brothers, Scott Purtell of Mansfield, Timothy Purtell and his wife Kristin of Melbourne, Florida, and James Purtell and his wife Colleen of Somerset; his companion, Elizabeth Haskell; and seven nieces and nephews.

His memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. at the Wickenden Chapel at Tabor Academy, Spring Street, Marion. Visiting hours are omitted.

Memorial donations may be made to the Travis Roy Foundation, c/o Hemenway & Barnes, LLP, 75 State St. 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02109.

Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.