Thomas Anthony Turk

Thomas Anthony Turk, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away very peacefully, surrounded by his family, on February 22, 2018. He was 85 years old.

Born February 8, 1933, in Falls Creek, PA, Tom, son of the late Anthony Thomas Turk and Grace (DeCarlo) Turk, was a graduate of Falls Creek High School where he lettered in football and basketball. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at Pittsburgh, PA, and served (1952-1956) at Quonset Point, RI, as an air crewman aboard several aircraft carriers.   While in the Navy Tom played football as quarterback and fullback.    Upon receiving a football scholarship, he subsequently went on to play fullback at Central Missouri State University, Warrensburgh, MO.

He met the love of his life, Josephine Bartasavich of DuBois, PA, while attending a dance at the Pulaski Hall. They celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage October 12, 1957, and after accepting a position with IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY, moved to Newburgh, NY, in 1960, where he and Josephine raised their three children. He retired as a Systems Analyst in 1993.

His love for sports and his ability to motivate led him to coach CYO basketball talent Brian Mulqueen and players to a winning season at Most Precious Blood Church, Walden, NY.  This was one of his most cherished memories; and he was acknowledged for CYO participation at a Mass prayed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC.    Tom’s commitment to his Catholic faith was demonstrated by his participation as a member of The Holy Name Society and his role as lector at Our Lady of the Lake Parish for 37 years.  He enjoyed the writings of Father James Gilhooley and was an avid follower of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

It was not uncommon for Tom to be a vocal advocate for the community by attending Town of Newburgh Town Hall meetings, NY governor meetings and by writing editorials to the Times Herald Record on behalf of the unborn. He attended the Town of Newburgh Citizen’s Police academy.  He enjoyed a rich community of friendships and was a member of TOPS #1199 and the Town of Newburgh VFW post. He was a member of the Mid-Hudson Horseshoe Pitchers Association and he and friends won several tournaments.   Other hobbies included fly fishing, reading and annual August outings to the Saratoga Race Course with friends. His favorite book was the story of Vince Lombardi.

Tom began painting in 1992. Drives through the countryside with his wife served as inspiration for many of his oil paintings as was Josephine to whom Tom dedicated an art show entitled So Rare on his 85th birthday.  Friends and family members were the benefactors of Tom’s oil paintings; and he was known to give away many paintings with a personal note inscribed.

His final painting was done in 2015, the same year he was diagnosed with ALS and when he and Josephine moved to Holy Redeemer Lafayette in Philadelphia where Tom resided for two years.   He was comforted by his faith, frequent reception of the Sacraments of the Eucharist, Penance and Anointing of the Sick, and many visits from his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Tom was deeply loved by his family and friends and will always be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit, sense of humor, Catholic faith, and deep devotion to his wife, Josephine.   He would frequently say, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life; make it a good one. “

He is survived by 3 children, Thomas B.  Turk and his wife Sharon, Ann Marie Mitchell and her husband Jim, Michael Turk, seven grandchildren:  Rebecca Goslee, and her husband James P., Greg Mitchell and his wife Amanda, Trinity Turk and her husband Hector, Nicholas Turk, Alyssa Turk, Ty Turk, Natalie Turk, and four greatgrandchildren: Elizabeth and Caroline Goslee, and Ryan and Lea Mitchell. 

His sister MaryAnn Caracciolo predeceased him in death.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 27 from 10-11am at Our Lady of the Lake Chapel, Route 52, Newburgh, NY.

A Mass of Christian burial will immediately follow the visitation at 10 am.  Burial will be at St Mary’s Cemetery in Montgomery, NY.  

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