Charles W. Turner, 85, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 11.
A lifelong resident of Haverhill, Turner was born to the late Charles F. and Rose (Cunio) Turner. He graduated from St. James High School, class of 1950, and was a member of the varsity football team. He enlisted to serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and safely returned home to continue studies to become an engineer. He obtained his bachelor’s from Merrimack College and graduated Summa Cum Laude when he achieved his master’s from Northeastern University. He enjoyed a successful career as an industrial engineer with AT&T/Western Electric, from he ultimately retired after 32 years. In addition, he penned a weekly column for the Haverhill Gazettte called “Life in the Acre of Haverhill” and left a remaining legacy with his titled book “Remembering Haverhill,” published in 2008. Turner was a former Boy Scout Troop 24 scout master and longtime supporter of Haverhill youth sports. He was a talented athlete who skated in adult hockey leagues until just several years ago and an avid golfer, skier, outdoorsman and sports fan. His most cherished time spent in the company of family and will be remembered lovingly as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Evelyn A. (Lefebvre) Turner; children, Charles F. “Bud” Turner of Boston, Patricia Lynch and husband Robert of Portland, Maine, and Jean Gemmell and husband Joseph Gemmell III of Haverhill; siblings and their spouses, Raymond Turner and Esther of Rochester, N.H., Kathleen Seastrand and Kurt of Exeter, N.H., and Stephen Turner and Gail; brother-in-law Philip Gardella, all of Haverhill; six grandchildren, Capt. Michael T. Lynch, USAF, currently stationed at Mount Home, Idaho, Jennifer Lynch of Portland, Maine, Joseph W. Gemmell IV, Katie Gemmell, Rees Gemmell and Christina Gemmell, all of Haverhill; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, many dear friends and colleagues. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kathleen Turner, who died in 1983, sisters Monica Gardella, and Frances O’Neil and brother-in-law Robert O’Neil.
Guests are asked to meet directly at church to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial for Charles Turner at10 a.m., Wednesday, June 14, at Sacred Heart Church, 165 S. Main St., Bradford. Burial follows in St. James Cemetery, Haverhill. There will be no calling hours. Funeral arrangements by the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Charles Turner to: Alzheimer’s Association of MA, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.