Obituary for Richard C. Turner Sr.
Richard was the seventh of eight children born to Mary and Eddie Turner, Sr. He grew up in Troy, NY in the family home on Middleburgh Street.
Richard and his brothers were well known in their community for their basketball skills. When he was a child, Richard lost sight in one eye and despite his great talent on the court, was not allowed to play for Troy High. He turned to AAU basketball where he excelled. In one game, he scored an amazing 65 points. That’s a story he loved to tell over and over!
After graduation, he joined the Marine Corps, majoring in telecommunications. Stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California, this Private First Class enjoyed the sunny, warm weather and the occasional trip to Tijuana, Mexico. Honorably discharged from the military, he often said “Once a Marine, Always a Marine”.
Richard then enjoyed the boom of Cable TV. He used his telecommunications skills to get jobs all over, installing cable in Portland, Maine; Utica, NY; Chicago, Illinois and finally settling in Rochester, NY.
Richard worked on contract at Kodak and Xerox installing cable and telephones until his health started to fail and he could no longer climb a ladder. That’s when he changed careers and became a security guard at Harris Corporation where he worked until he retired.
Richard loved sports and was always happy to coach his son, Richard, Jr. in basketball and baseball. Senior was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. And, you’d be hard pressed to beat him at Scrabble. Growing up near Saratoga, he enjoyed watching horse racing and placing a bet or two was always exciting.
Richard leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Valerie, son Richard, Jr. (Brittany), daughter Rashira, sisters Shirley and Loretta; stepchildren Ranika and Rahndale along with many nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his parents and five siblings.
Richard and his brothers were well known in their community for their basketball skills. When he was a child, Richard lost sight in one eye and despite his great talent on the court, was not allowed to play for Troy High. He turned to AAU basketball where he excelled. In one game, he scored an amazing 65 points. That’s a story he loved to tell over and over!
After graduation, he joined the Marine Corps, majoring in telecommunications. Stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California, this Private First Class enjoyed the sunny, warm weather and the occasional trip to Tijuana, Mexico. Honorably discharged from the military, he often said “Once a Marine, Always a Marine”.
Richard then enjoyed the boom of Cable TV. He used his telecommunications skills to get jobs all over, installing cable in Portland, Maine; Utica, NY; Chicago, Illinois and finally settling in Rochester, NY.
Richard worked on contract at Kodak and Xerox installing cable and telephones until his health started to fail and he could no longer climb a ladder. That’s when he changed careers and became a security guard at Harris Corporation where he worked until he retired.
Richard loved sports and was always happy to coach his son, Richard, Jr. in basketball and baseball. Senior was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. And, you’d be hard pressed to beat him at Scrabble. Growing up near Saratoga, he enjoyed watching horse racing and placing a bet or two was always exciting.
Richard leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Valerie, son Richard, Jr. (Brittany), daughter Rashira, sisters Shirley and Loretta; stepchildren Ranika and Rahndale along with many nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his parents and five siblings.