Obituary of John W. Turon

GREENVILLE - John W. Turon reported to the "Supreme Command" on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. He was born in Alcove on October 4, 1926, son of the late George Sr. and Mary Turon. The family moved to Greenville in 1930 when the City of Albany purchased their property for what is now the Alcove Reservoir. John lived in Greenville until 1944 when he joined the U.S. Navy at age 17. He was a career veteran serving from 1944 until 1967 - a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. After his retirement from the Navy, John was employed by the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command Pacific, based in Oakland, CA. He worked aboard ships as an AB Seaman or Ship's Carpenter. John's career took him to many locations throughout the world. He has been to Antarctica, New Zealand, Australia, the Aleutian Islands, Baffin Island, Greenland, and the continents of Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America. After a stroke forced him to retire in 1990, he lived in Florida until 2008 when, due to failing health, he returned to Greenville. John was a member of Greenville American Legion Post 291, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Reserve Association, and the U.S. Navy Armed Guard WWII Veteran's Association. From a teenager, John enjoyed fishing and hunting. After his retirement, he spent many hours tending to his fruit trees and large vegetable garden. John was a very caring son, brother and uncle. Family meant much to him and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be dearly missed and always remembered. John is survived by his sisters, Ruth Birmann of North Park, FL and Elsie Turon of Greenville, and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brothers, George Jr., Charles and Joseph, and his sisters, Helen Koch, Mildred and Mary Turon. A family graveside service will be held in the spring at his interment in the Alcove Cemetery, two miles from his place of birth in an old farmhouse, 85 years ago. Those who wish may contribute in John's memory to the Alcove Cemetery Fence Restoration Fund, P. O. Box 81, Alcove, NY 12007. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Stratton VA Medical Center for the compassionate and dedicated care given to John. Arrangements by A.J. Cunningham Funeral Homes, Inc., Greenville. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.