Peter Paul Turkosz, age 90 of Methuen passed away on July 26, 2015 at his late residence. Peter was born in Lawrence and he attended Holy Trinity Grammar School as well as Central Catholic High School. He abruptly left high school during his junior year to enter the United States Navy in response to the death of his cousin, Julian Stopyra who passed away on the U.S.S. Arizona, which was sunk during the Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor. Julian was the first Lawrencian to sacrifice his life during WWII. Peter served from 1943 until 1946 as a cook on the U.S.S. Cory, which sank during the invasion of Normandy, as well as the U.S.S. Weehawker, which ran aground in Okinawa during a typhoon.
Following his service in the Navy, Peter earned his G.E.D. and attended UMASS Lowell where he took business courses. Peter worked at the Danvers State Hospital for 33 ½ years, serving as head chef from 1975-1988 when he retired.
Peter was the loving husband of the late Amelia (Sangermano) Turkosz who he refered to as “the Love of his Life” with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. He was the dear brother of Ana Serwatka. Peter is also survived by his loving nieces, Jean-Marie Barrile, Elaine C. Gosselin and nephews, Leo Barrile, Joseph Barrile, Edward Serwatka, Steven Serwatka and Joseph Serwatka and their families.
Friends and guests are invited to call on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St. Methuen. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place immediately following calling hours at 11:00 AM at St. Monica’s Parish of Methuen. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery of Methuen. For directions and online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website, www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Turkosz Family