On September 11th, 2023, Mark Christopher Turner, 67, of Franklin passed to eternal life while surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Randolph, MA on September 12th, 1955, and was the son of the late Austin and Edith (Kelly) Turner.
Following Mark’s graduation from college, he embarked on a successful 36-year sales career beginning in the sales and distribution of chemical products. He dedicated the final 18 years of his sales career to Sanofi-Aventis as a pharmaceutical sales executive where he received several awards for his sales achievements. When time for retirement arrived, Mark was truly able to embrace his love for golf by operating GolfX Regripping and Repair in Franklin for the remaining eight and a half years of his life.
However, Mark's true passion was the opportunity to mentor and develop the character of children and young adults through coaching. Growing up Mark shined as an athlete in baseball, hockey, and golf. In 1976, following the end of his college hockey career, Mark picked up his whistle and embarked on a lifelong journey of coaching. Over the span of several years, he was involved in Randolph Youth Hockey, Franklin Youth Hockey, Franklin Youth Baseball, and numerous club hockey teams located in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. As a member of Franklin Country Club since 1987, Mark spent every golf season passing along his love of the game to his children, grandchildren, and anyone who crossed his path. He simply enjoyed connecting with people of all ages through athletics and having the opportunity to pass along his knowledge, stories, and encouragement.
Mark is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janet Heys Turner (Jan), his daughter Kiley and her husband Keith Shuman, his son Casey Turner and his wife Genevieve, his son Corey Turner and his wife Kelly, along with his loving grandchildren: Lillian Dobson, Austin Dobson, Hunter Shuman, Grace Turner, Estelle Turner, Genevieve Turner, Henry Turner, and Avery Turner; his brother Thomas Turner and his wife Deanna, and sisters Meredith Grip and Jean Dancewicz; his sister-in-law Susan Console, brother-in-law William Heys, brother-in-law Thomas Heys and his wife Melissa, and former son-in-law Brendon Dobson; along with many nieces and nephews.
Mark was predeceased by his brother, Steven Turner and brothers-in-law Jim Grip, Bob Console, and Gary Dancewicz.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Monday September 18th, at 9AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 1 Church Square Franklin at 10AM.
Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.
Calling hours are Sunday Sept. 17th, from 1-5PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Tee Massachusetts - firstteemass.org