Michael Richard Turner

Waterford - Michael "Mike" Richard Turner, of Waterford, passed away Oct. 26, 2024. He was 46 years old. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend who touched the lives of everyone who knew him. The memory of his big smile will live on forever. A proud Rhode Island native, he was born Sept. 22, 1978, in Warwick, R.I., the son of Jim Turner of N. Kingston, R.I., and the late Teresa Turner.

Mike graduated from Toll Gate High School in 1998, eventually enlisting in the Marine Corps where he served for four years, achieving the rank of corporal. He fondly remembered exploring Japan during his year stationed in Iwakuni. Mike met his beloved Katie in 2004, at the gym where he asked her on a date. They married Nov. 25, 2005 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in New London, surrounded by their many extended family members and friends.

Mike carried many skills and traits from his military service into his position of superintendent for J.F. Brennan, where he oversaw major marine construction projects throughout the New England area. A member of the Local 326 Carpenter's Union, Mike's enthusiasm for his work and respect for his fellow colleagues and team members was ever-evident when he shared stories of projects he led.

Mike was most proud of the family he built with his wife. A devoted provider and involved father of his three wonderful children, he encouraged them to follow their passions with sports and music. He was always on the sidelines or in the crowd cheering them on. A skilled tradesman, his passion for fatherhood was encapsulated in the backyard, where his handmade wooden swing set and stone fire pit laid the groundwork for innumerable enjoyable days with his family.

Mike had a positive and passionate personality, embodied in the way he told stories and shared his interests with everyone he engaged with. He loved attending weddings and large family gatherings, hiking, elaborate home projects, and taking his family to Disney World. Mike will be remembered as someone who would drop everything to help a family member or friend with any task, large or small, and for his presence supporting the community such as St. Paul's Church and Waterford Little League Baseball.

While Mike left us far too soon, the impact he had on his family and our community will be felt for years to come. 

Mike's loving spirit is carried on by his wife and best friend, Katie; children, Michael Jr., Teresa and Marykate, all of Waterford; father Jim Turner of N. Kingstown, R.I.; brother Matthew Turner of Los Angeles; sister Amanda Senanayake and her husband Sanjeeva of Ramsey, N.J.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony Joyce Jr. and Lillian of Waterford; brother-in-law Patrick Joyce and wife Laurie of Pearland, Texas; brother-in-law Anthony Joyce III and wife Lori of Uncasville; brother-in-law Joe Joyce of Milford; sister-in-law Theresa Martin and husband Bill of N. Canton, Ohio; brother-in-law John Joyce and wife Lillian of Hampstead, N.C.; and his nieces and nephews: Jeremy, Tali, Sarah, Richie, Christina, Juli, Alynn, Austin, Joey, Mandy, Bill, Katelyn, Micaela, Chris, Packy, Timmy and Mackenzie.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, in St. Paul Church, 170 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, New London.

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