Thomas D. “Tom” Turner – 55 – of 6375 Crosby Creek Rd., Hornell, died suddenly Wednesday evening (April 6, 2011) following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on July 26, 1955, he was the son of Robert & Ann (Carson) Turner.
Tom grew up in Hornell and attended Alfred-Almond Central School. From 1974-1977 he served his country as a member of the US Army National Guard. He later earned his Associate’s Degree in Human Services at SUNY Alfred.
For 18 years, Tom was employed by St. James Mercy Health System. For two of those years he worked in the Psychiatric Care Unit of St. James Hospital and for the past 16 years served as a Substance Abuse Counselor in the MATCH Unit. Throughout the years he also worked several jobs, including photographer for the Hornell Evening Tribune, where one of his pictures was published worldwide in the Stars and Stripes Military magazine. He also served as a substitute teacher at the Wildwood Campus; worked for the City of Hornell’s Public Works Department; and the former SKF Industries.
Tom was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting, trapping and fishing. He also loved playing volleyball. He enjoyed his membership at the Hornell AMVETS with his brothers and sons. Most of all he loved spending time with his beloved wife Betty, his sons, grandchildren, and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Dale Turner II and also his grandson, Joseph Michael Turner.
Surviving are his wife, Betty whom he married on October 14, 2000; 3 sons, Thomas (Tonya) Turner III of Hornell, Jason Turner of Hornell and Sean (Jenalee) Turner of Howard; 5 brothers, Michael (Fran) Turner of Alaska, Arthur (Bonnie) Turner of Hornell, Richard Turner of Alaska, Terry Turner of Hornell and John Turner of Hornell; 5 step-children, Lisa Marie (Mark) Brulotte of Belfast, Michelle (Glenn) Proctor of New Hudson, Keith (Angela) Russell of Tennessee, Kenneth (Jacqueline) Russell of Beaver Dams and Konrad (Jessamine) Russell of Corning; his former wife, Laurel (David) Turner-Studley; 26 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; several cousins, nieces & nephews.
The family of Thomas D. “Tom” Turner will receive friends on Sunday from 2 – 4 PM & 7 – 9 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, where funeral & committal services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in the Turner Family Cemetery.
Tom’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell AMVETS, 28 Broadway Mall, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
I worked with Tom at MATCH. What a great guy with a great sense of humor. He will be missed.
I remember Tom as a good man he was there to help any one out. I can remember when he would call and ask if me and my ex Husband would want to play cards and we did and his ex wife Laurel and me would make apple pies for them He was all ways there for me when i need him or to talk to him. I sure will miss him and he would make you laugh if you were down. He will sure be miss by all that new Tom, Love you Tom Connie turner cobin
Tom was a co worker of mine at MATCH for almost 15 years, He was also my best friend. I cannot express the loss I feel. He had so much to offer and was loved by many. Tom gave his all to everyone he came across. God bless you Tom…you will always be in my heart, I was so fortunate to hae been your friend. Love, Patty
What can I say? Tom will be dearly missed by all. He was always fun to be around, and there if you needed him. I know that his grandchildren will forever remember him, and the fun they shared. Rest in Peace Tom, we will miss you, and you will forever be in our hearts.
From Alyssa**Grandpa I will miss you! I’m so sad!
From Nicholas**Grandpa I miss you already! I’m so sad!
I worked with Tom at MATCH for about 5 years. He was a wonderful person and I truly enjoyed working with him. He made the overnight shift a lot more fun. He was a kind man and a great listener. I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Marisa Valentine
SFC Turner- Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family at this time of loss. I am sure your father was very proud of all your accomplishments in the Army Reserve and I am sure his fine example guided you and will continue to guide you in your outstanding military career. The Soldiers and staff of 2nd Battalion 389th Regiment send their thoughts and prayers.
LTC Pellien
I have many fond memories working with Tom on inpatient psych and at MATCH. He had a remarkable sense of humor, knowledgeable and was a pleasure to work with. Tom was always there for you, and a genuine nice guy. Its been about three years since I last talked with him, but we talked like it was the day before, he helped many people in his profession.
thinking of the Turner Family during their loss….May God bless and comfort you during this sad time. In Sympathy and Love,
I first worked with Tom at MATCH in 1995. He was always positive and full of encouragement. The clients really enjoyed him. It was so much fun listening to his stories and watching him pick on Patty. Then, I returned to MATCH this past December. Ten years later and he had not changed. I have enjoyed working with him, and learning from him. I will miss you Tom….