Thomas J. Turner

Thomas J. Turner, age 70, passed away on October 14, 2020, peacefully surrounded by family after a well fought battle with Cancer. He was born March 20, 1950, in Rome, NY, the son of Truman and Catherine (Smith) Turner.

Tom attended St. Aloysius Academy and was a graduate of Rome Catholic High school. He furthered his education at Le Moyne College for a semester before deciding to serve his country. On January 14, 1969 Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  He served for three years during the Vietnam War, during which time he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. On April 19, 1975, he married the love of his life, Eileen “Bonnie” Orr, and enjoyed a beautiful life together over the last 45 years.

Tom's pride and joy were his five children and 15 grandchildren. He was their number one fan and supporter, and would brag about them every chance he had. Ever since Tom was a young boy he has had two passions: playing sports and the piano. It wasn’t until he had his own kids and grandkids though that he got to do what he loved most, sitting on the sidelines or in the audience cheering them on. 

Tom worked for the airlines for 44 years before retiring in 2016. When Tom wasn’t spending time with family, shopping at Wegmans, watching sports, or gardening, you could catch him running or riding his bike around town, frequently stopping by friends’ and neighbors’ houses to say hi and share a laugh. Tom was a man who took pride in bringing smiles to others faces. 

He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie; three daughters and son-in-laws, Vicki and Brian Roes, Pittsford, NY; Monica and Michael Griepsma, Rocky Point, NY; Heidi and Chad Whitney, Bernhards Bay, NY; two sons and daughter-in-laws, Eric and Ivette Turner, Brewerton, NY; Thomas and Melissa Turner, Manlius, NY; two sisters, Barbara Smith, Utica; MaryLou Leffert, Virginia; and one brother, Robert (Leslie) Turner, Massachusetts, fifteen grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

A Visitation will be held on Monday, October19, 2020 from 4-7 pm at Traub Funeral Home, 684 N. Main St., Central Square, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Tuesday at Divine Mercy Parish, Central Square.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson Research.

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