Our dad, Joe Turo, was our best friend. He was the kind of person who could help you get a clear perspective on things, and his advice was always generous, sound, and kind. He loved to offer guidance when buying a home or packing a suitcase for a long trip, to keep traditions such as making Christmas cookies and homemade wine, and to relax while enjoying a fire pit on a chilly day with his family.
On January 10, 2021, Joe reunited peacefully with his beloved wife Jeanne in heaven.
Joseph Thomas Turo, born in 1939, spent the early years of his life in Pawcatuck before moving across the bridge to Westerly. He was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Mary Turo and devoted brother to his late sister Margaret Turo Visgilio. He attended the Immaculate Conception school in Westerly and LaSalle Academy in Providence before continuing his studies at Providence College and UConn Law School. Joe enjoyed a fulfilling career as an attorney until his retirement, and he also served the town of Westerly as Town Solicitor for two terms and later served as Town Manager.
Joe grew up in the Westerly-Pawcatuck community with cherished members of his extended family, and in this community he also raised his own family after meeting Jeanne Schackner, a nurse from Pawcatuck with whom he crossed paths at a Brookline MTA stop. Joe and Jeanne happily married on September 10, 1966, and they remained inseparable and enjoyed an active and joyful life with family, faith, friends, hobbies, and travel until Jeanne passed away on November 5, 2018.
Joe will always be greatly admired by his four children, all of whom survive him: Joseph Turo and his wife Lisa; David Turo; John Turo and his wife Kendra; and Amy Turo McKenna and her husband Sean. Nine grandchildren also share many fond memories of their Papa Joe: Jack, Luke and Peter Turo; John, Julia and Nicholas Turo; and Nathan, Catherine and Mary McKenna. Joe will be remembered and greatly missed by his family and friends, especially those whose company he greatly enjoyed over the past two years while sharing his time with frequent walks and coffee, daily mass, Italian classes, piano lessons, and travel.
To honor Joe’s full and happy life, donations can be made to St. Michael’s Church on Liberty Street, Pawcatuck. The Funeral Mass and burial will be private. Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly is in care of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com