Bob Turner

Robert "Bob" Turner, beloved husband of the late Ann Marie Fanelli of West Hartford died Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at St. Francis Hospital. A Hartford native and long time resident of West Hartford, he was the son of William and Elizabeth Lawlor Turner, he graduated from Bulkeley High School. Bob worked for 43 years as a purchasing agent for Ct Natural Gas before his retirement in 1978. A love of history, the outdoors, nature and exercise would guide Bob throughout his life. He was an active 61 year member of the Serra Club of Hartford, the Jules Reservoir 6 Running Club, a member of the YMCA, and would walk the Marginal Way in Maine. Friendship and family also drove Bob, he treasured going to the races with friends at Saratoga, or the joys of dinners with his daughters. He was a loyal Red Sox and Lady Husky fan. Bob's faith had a powerful impact on his life and he would participate in the US Air Force Chief of Chaplains' Lay Witness Program, traveling to Europe, meeting officers, NCOs' and enlisted men and explaining how he was able to bring his beliefs as a Christian to bear on his personal and professional life, however he said it was "I who was impressed by them." That deep faith was also expressed by opening up the doors at the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, come rain or shine. He is survived by his daughters; Ruthann E. Turner of West Hartford, and Kathleen M. Turner of Rocky Hill, a sister in law Helen Turner of Unionville, his wife's sister Ruth and her husband Ray Hamel of Wethersfield, and many generations of nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife he was predeceased by his brothers; John "Jack" Turner, George Turner and a sister Mary Turner McDermott. The family would like to thank the staff on the 4th floor at St. Francis Hospital for their compassion and care. Funeral services will be Saturday at 9:30 a.m. from the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Calling hours are Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations in his memory may be made to Masonicare Home Health and Hospice, 111 Founders Plaza, Suite 200, East Hartford, CT 06108. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com