John T. Turke
Dover-Foxcroft – John T. Turke, 78 died Sunday, March 5, 2017 at home surrounded by family following a long illness.
He leaves his son and daughter-in-law Christopher and Tracy Turke, of Lakeville, MA, and Daughter Carolynn Turke, of Norton, MA. He had two grandchildren Mark and Abby.
Born and raised in Jamaica Plain, Ma., the son of John Turke and Mary (Wilanski) Turke. He also resided in both Mansfield and Wrentham, Ma.
John was a US Navy Veteran who served aboard the USS Sullivan’s from 1956-1959. Following his active duty, he was employed as a truck driver for Stones Express and Signal Delivery. At Signal Delivery, he was a long time Shop Steward and ran for Business Agent for Teamsters Local 25 in Charlestown, MA.
John moved to Dover-Foxcroft in 1988 to pursue a second career with the Maine Department of Corrections. His talent for many trades led to a position as a Correctional Trades Instructor where he spent many years
teaching inmates in basic carpentry, electrical, masonry, and painting trades. Among his accomplishments were the renovations at the Dover-Foxcroft town offices, expanding local snowmobile trails, and numerous construction projects that benefited area organizations.
John began a third career as owner of the successful “The Pub” in downtown Dover-Foxcroft. Although this career was somewhat short lived, he provided his customers and employees with an enjoyable atmosphere where all were
welcomed.
John was a long time outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting. He was a member in good standing at the Wrentham Sportsman’s club prior to moving to Maine. He participated in many rifle, pistol, and trap shooting competitions. Following his move to Dover-Foxcroft, he was a member at the Piscataquis Valley Snowmobile club
where he started the Bingo night to help raise funds for the association.
John was also an avid golfer who belonged to both the Foxcroft Golf Club and the Piscataquis Country Club where he was a past winner of the Senior Open. He also sank a hole-in-one 3 times throughout his playing career.
John was an enthusiastic Patriots fan who admired Tedy Bruschi and the GOAT, loved the Red Sox, and was a devoted Yankee’s hater.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Pam Richardson and the employees of Community Health and Counseling Services for the hospice care provided.
He was a mentor. He was a teacher. He was a friend.
A remembrance event will be held in the spring.
