Jonathan Loeb Turner, 71, a longtime Tewksbury resident, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer on Friday, March 14 at Lowell General Hospital with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Stephanie (DeStefano) Turner with whom he shared the past 38 years of marriage.
Jon was born on November 23, 1953, in Wurzburg, Germany and was the eldest son of the late Dr. Louis Turner, who was serving in the U.S. Army at the time and was stationed in Germany and the late Allisa Lu (Loeb) Turner.
He was raised in Roslyn, NY where he had a gaggle of friends from the Nob Hill neighborhood. He was educated at University of Colorado at Boulder and holds many IT certificates. He worked for over 20 years as an independent owner operator long haul trucker before finding a career in IT where he retired recently as an IT systems administrator.
An accomplished amateur extra ham radio operator with the call sign AC1EV, Jon was deeply involved in the Nashua Area Radio Society, serving as its president until illness necessitated his retirement.
An avid cyclist, he took part in the Pan-Mass Challenge, combining his love of riding with a dedication to supporting a greater cause.
A man of sharp wit and boundless knowledge, he had a clever sense of humor and an extraordinary memory. He was a gifted storyteller who could captivate any audience with his tales. Known as a “Mr. Fix-It,” Jon possessed an uncanny ability to repair and improve just about anything, always ready to lend a helping hand. He had an eye for photography, a love for golf, and a deep appreciation for boating, especially at Lake Winnipesaukee.
Besides his wife, Stephanie, he is survived by their son, Jake Turner and his wife, Kate, of Rhode Island and his grandson, their son, Finn. He is also survived by a brother, Bob Turner of Dracut; a sister, Kathi Turner and her wife, Myra Turley, of Los Angeles; his step-siblings, Lissa Hattersley of Austin, TX, Cleve Hattersley of New Mexico, Craig Hattersley of Texas, Ellen Bornstein of Los Angeles and Roger Dubin of Prescott, Arizona. He also leaves behind his in-laws, Karla St. Peter and her husband Loren, of Ashburnham and Karol DeStefano of Townsend; his mother-in-law, Rose DeStefano of Tewksbury and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father-in-law, the late Albert DeStefano, his stepsister, the late Barbara Dubin, his stepmother the late Tanya Turner, and his stepfather, the late Ralph "Hat" Hattersley.
Jon will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend. He was filled with heart, generous as all get out and kind. Jon always put family first. Many hearts grieve his passing and were touched by his over-sized personality during his life. He is already missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute/The Jimmy Fund by clicking here.
All are welcome to attend his visitation on Thursday, March 20, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA, followed by procession for burial at Tewksbury Cemetery. If you are not able to attend in person, please click here to watch the funeral services
Which will begin at approximately 12 p.m.
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