Thomas Turner , VRHS Class of 1958
Thomas Harry Turner of Nassau passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on February 27, 2023. Born in Gloversville, he was the son of the late George A. Turner, a World War I veteran who rests at peace in the Arlington National Cemetery, and the late Harriet (Williams) Turner, former Miss Gloversville 1916, who was celebrated during the bicentennial parade in 1976 and was a businesswoman and a milliner in Albany. For many years as a child, he was cared for by the late Ruth P. Jones and the Mallory family of Rensselaer. Thomas and his mother moved to Albany in 1942, after the tragic death of his father, where State Street and the N.Y.S. Capitol became his "playground." Later as a grandfather, he would make annual trips with his grandchildren to see the "big buildings" in Albany at the Empire State Plaza. While growing up in Albany, he was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Thomas graduated from Van Rensselaer High School in 1958. He always said, with his sense of humor he was proud to be referred to as their "class clown." He served honorably as a rifleman with the 2nd Marine Division in the United States Marine Corps aboard the U.S.S. Boxer aircraft carrier, "The Boxer." Thomas was a Teamster with Local 294 for 37 years, working for Port Concrete and J.H. Maloy on many area sites including the Empire State Plaza. He drove and dispatched for Nash and Yellow Cabs. He also dispatched for Sears Petroleum at the Port of Albany, as well as tended bar at many local pubs. He played third base for Rensselaer High School and for 17 years in fast-pitch softball leagues both in Rensselaer and Albany. He was a loyal fan of the Cleveland Indians for 70 years. He loved history and sports. He was famous for telling stories, some of them tall tales. He was an entrepreneur selling roasted peanuts at Hawkins Stadium as a youth and later, in retirement with his own vending cart, he enjoyed going to many area events selling peanuts and giving away American flag pins. He was also once a sports commentator at a local radio station and started a small mobile-advertising business. He enjoyed many family get-togethers with his large family and his many trips to Atlantic City with his wife, Theresa, and attended many events in which his children and grandchildren participated. Thomas was very proud of the success of his children and grandchildren. He loved Heritage Park, the Valley Cats Stadium and going to play "ching, ching" at the casino. Tom was known for his Cadillac where he often sat in various locations "watching the world" and was also known many years earlier for his unique Jeep. Later in life, he could often be found entertaining people with tales at his family-owned Smiles Ice Cream Shop and playing old-time '50s music for the customers who enjoyed his sense of humor. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Theresa R. Stuto Turner of Nassau; and by his "Lil Pal," his great-grandson, Logan. He is survived by his first wife, Judith A. Turner Fountain of West Sand Lake. He will be dearly missed by his two sons, Mark (Tina) Turner of Nassau, and Michael (Kitt) Turner of Cumming, Ga.; his five daughters, Yvonne Joy (Kevin O'Connor) Turner of Altamont, Teri (Tony) Kurylo of Winchendon, Mass., Melissa (Frank) Bulan of Nassau, Tracey (Richard Thomas) Turner of Greenwich, and Amy (Kenneth) Barber of Nassau. He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Daniel, Ashlee, Steven, Thomas, Michael, Jenna, Katrina, Kayla, Laura, Cameron, Melissa, Mackenzie, Frank, Alexis, Paul and Matthew; and his great-grandchildren, Kori, Elliana, Anthony, Evelyn, and a future great-granddaughter blessing the family in July. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including Kathleen Gregory Matatall, who was very special to him. He was also called "Dad" by many who loved him like a father. Many thanks to Ryan, Lori, Nick, and Lacey from the Rensselaer County Community Hospice for all of your care and kindness to our father.