Joseph Francis Turner Jr

Joseph F. Turner, Jr. (age 81) of Lehigh Acres, FL., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 21, 2023. Born on June 25, 1941, “Joe” was the only son of the late Joseph F. Turner, Sr. and Mary (Hurley) Turner of Buffalo, NY. He is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Carol Duvall Turner; his daughter Kathleen Turner Yurasko (Brian); son Joseph W. Turner (Shannon); daughter Amy S. Turner; and daughter Beth D. DeBaugh (William). He was blessed with five beautiful grandchildren - Nicholas, Liam, Noah, Kelsey and Jack. Joe was very proud of his Irish roots, as were his surviving sisters Pat (Bill) O’Brien and Peggy (Frank) Frandina. His sister Mary Ellen Callanan, along with her husband Joe, preceded him in death.

In 1963 Joe earned his BS degree in Finance from Gannon University in Erie, PA, followed by service in the US Army as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Signal Service Corps, then went on to earn his MBA in 1968 from George Washington University in Washington, DC. Joe was active in many sports throughout his life. He was a letterwinner on Gannon’s Golden Knights baseball team (1961-63), where he played third base, and was the starting guard and captain for the Knights basketball team that played in the NCAA tournament during the 1961-62 season. His 35-year professional career was devoted to hospital administration. On Long Island, NY, Joe was President and CEO of the Community Hospital at Glen Cove from 1975 to 1985 and CEO of Central Suffolk Hospital (now Peconic Bay Medical Center) in Riverhead from 1985 to 2000. The last few years of his career were spent in New Martinsville, WV, as the CEO of Wetzel County Hospital.

Aside from family, Joe’s biggest passions in life were golf, reading, cheering on the Buffalo Bills and listening to great music. With a seemingly endless supply of 'dad jokes' and a quick smile, friends and family will remember his ability to make others laugh, reach out to help anyone in need and his endless offers of support, compassion and big hugs. A small family gathering was held immediately following Joe’s passing. There will be a larger Celebration of Life in the fall.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.