Bruce Irving Turner, 89, of Bedford New Hampshire, formerly of Whitman Massachusetts passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024 surrounded by his family. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Ann M. (Readon) Turner and daughter Ann Marie (Turner) Smith.
Born in Brockton, Massachusetts on November 3, 1934 the son of the late Roy Turner Sr. and Rubena (Irving) Turner. Bruce grew up in Hanson, and is a Whitman High School graduate, class of 1952. He was active in school sports and was the captain of the baseball and hockey team. Bruce also played semi pro baseball for local arena teams. After high school he went on to further his education and attended Burdett College in Boston in 1954.
Bruce was in the U.S. Army and was drafted in 1957, he did 2 years of service. 18 months he spent in Germany, and in 1961 he was recalled to active duty during the Berlin Crisis, and served for one year in North Carolina.
Bruce worked for Bay State Gas Co., now known as Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, for 35 years. He spent 28 years working in operations, and 7 years as a Corporate Safety Manager.
Bruce was a part time employee at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel from 2000-2017, which he was extremely proud of. He was also a member at the Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society, Massachusetts Striped Bass Association, and the United States Golf Association. Bruce was previously a communicant at the Holy Ghost Church, participated as a alter server, usher, lector, Eucharistic Minister, and member RCIA Team.
He enjoyed fresh and saltwater fishing, golf, woodworking, and reading. Some of Bruce’s fondest memories were his fishing trips with his brother Carl and Dave Joubert to Wheaton’s Lodge, Forest City, Maine. As well as visiting Bob and Ann Marie Reardon’s summer home on Martha’s Vineyard. Above all, Bruce’s greatest joys in his life were his loving wife, his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren.
Bruce leaves behind his son Michael J. Turner and spouse Lauren of Duxbury, MA, son in law George Smith of Milford, NH, daughter Christine (Turner) and spouse David Phillips of Bedford, NH, and son Gregory B. and spouse Susan (Allain) of Derry, NH. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Brian Timothy Smith of Weymouth, MA, Michael Kenney Smith of Fitchburg, MA, Kyle Lucas Turner of Sandwich, MA, Nolan Michael Turner of Plainville, MA, Bella Louise Phillips of Bedford, NH, and Emma Grace Turner of Derry, NH. As well as his siblings Carl O. Turner of Pembroke, MA, and Nancy (Turner) Ohrenberger of Plymouth, MA.
He is also predeceased in death by his brother Roy M. Turner Jr. and granddaughter Aine Phillips.
Family and friends are invited to attend Bruce’s visiting hours Sunday March 10, from 1:00-4:00 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. A funeral service will be held Monday March 11, at 9:45 AM at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, followed by a funeral Mass at the Holy Ghost Church, Whitman at 10:30 AM. A burial will follow at the St. James Cemetery, Whitman.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Friends of Aine Center for Grieving Children and Families, 226 Coolidge Ave. Manchester, NH 03102.
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