Thomas W. Turner

Thomas W. “Sugar” “Sonny” Turner passed away peacefully at the age of 87 after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years Ann “Babe” Turner (2021), and siblings Allen, Hazel, Amy, Edna, and Eddie. He is survived by his children, Leo Clifford and his wife Juanita, Michael Clifford, and Denise Despres and her husband Paul, all of Peabody; his grandchildren Maria (Clifford) Morrissey and her husband Matt, Anthony, Shannon, and Damon Despres, and Kaitlin and Emily Clifford; his great-grandchildren Madigan and Maddox Morrissey; his sister, Janice George, and his brother, Paul Turner; and a myriad of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. 

Tom was born December 16, 1934, the son of Wilmur (Will) Turner and Laura (née Moore). He was raised in East Boston and Winthrop. He loved working at Logan Airport, especially for Eastern Airlines, which was like a family.  

After moving to Peabody in the early 1960s, Tom and Ann created lasting friendships with their neighbors on Heath Road. They raised their three children in Peabody while keeping their roots in Winthrop, returning to visit with friends and family frequently. Tom loved to visit with he and Ann’s friends on Point Shirley, to spend time with his buddies at Pleasant Park Yacht Club (a member since age 13), and to swim in the ocean, embracing the cold Atlantic. 

Tom was an avid reader, a dedicated History Channel-watcher, and a lover of all animals (but especially Hoss). He enjoyed being out in nature and spent many hours nurturing his famous garden.  

Another of Tom’s loves was traveling. He enjoyed visiting family and friends as well as exploring new places. Some of his favorite trips included California, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. A true New Englander, he especially enjoyed his visits to Cape Cod, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Tom was fortunate to have so much love in his life, but for those of us who knew Tom, we were even more fortunate to have had him in our lives. Sugar, the sweetest man, will be missed beyond measure. 

In Lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial donation to the Brian D. Silber Memorial Fund. ( see the link below)

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