John Albert Turner

Newport & Eastport - John A. Turner 78, died July 12, 2015 at his residence following a period of ill health. John was born in Eastport on Sept. 10, 1936 the son of Lester D and Laura J. (MacLean) Turner. He attended schools in Eastport, graduating from Shead Memorial High School in 1954. He attended the University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, for one year and then returned to Maine, graduating from the University of Maine at Orono with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education. Following his graduation from the University of Maine, he was an educator for eleven years as principal of Stonington High School, principal of Corinna Union Academy and vice principal of Nokomis Regional High School in Newport. He then spent over twenty-five enjoyable years as Purchasing Agent at Gilman Electric, Newport, until his retirement in 1998.
During his last years John spoke often of his fond memories growing up in Eastport, boating and fishing at the camp on Boyden's lake, and his retirement years in Naples, Florida. He loved music and played piano, tenor saxophone, and accordion, often accompanying his brother Bill when he sang at local school concerts. He was a quiet man, who spent hours reading all the newspapers and his favorite fiction authors.
John is survived by his wife Mary B. Turner of Newport, his daughter Susan Villetta Brown of Portland, his brother, William J. Turner of Naples, Florida, his sister, Eleanor A. Norton of Eastport, Maine, four grandchildren Chelsea, Nick, Chandler, and Griffin, several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his feline family, Frankie, Freddie, and Mittens. The family extends special thanks to Brother Bill, who lovingly cared for John this past winter and thus gave him a few more months of driving his car and enjoying life.
He was predeceased by his parents, Lester and Laura Turner.
Memorial graveside committal services will be conducted 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 8, 2015 at Hillside Cemetery in Eastport, with a gathering at Christ Episcopal Parish Hall following the service. Friends who wish may make memorial donations to PAWS Brave Hearts, 368 South St., Calais, ME 04619. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.