John E. Turner

Age 78 of Elmira, NY, passed away unexpectedly Friday morning, Nov 28, 2008 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center.John was the son of the late William L. and Erma Brown Turner.He was born here in Elmira onApril 6, 1930.Surviving him is his beloved wife of 61 years, Mildred Leff Turner; daughter, Jerrie Elizabeth (Floyd) Barrett of Lowman, NY; son, John E. Turner, Jr. of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Jerrilyn Thomas, Kenneth Barrett of Williamsport, PA; great-grandchildren, Steven Thomas (Vicki), Sarah Thomas; great-great-grandchildren, Cody, Christian, Cadence, and Cole; special friend, Carl Crooks of Tampa, Fl; brother and sister-in-law, William and Kathlene Leff of Elmira; several nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brothers, William F. Turner; James L. Turner; and sister, Marian E. Turner.Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira/Southport on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008 from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 PM.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Mary's Church, 224 Frankiln St., Elmira on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008 at 10:30 AM.Rev. Richard Farrell will celebrate the Mass.Graveside committal prayers will be shared in St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery following the Mass.John was a life communicant of St. Mary's Church, Elmira.He was proud to be a 52-year member and past lieutenant of the Southport Volunteer Fire Dept.He was a dedicated employee of Elm Chevrolet for 42 years.He was a member of the Southport Gold Card Senior Citizens Group, and a dedicated race fan of all the area had to offer.He attended races at all the local tracks including Chemung, Owego, Oswego, and Syracuse.He found great joy in being a grandfather and he loved the circus.He and Mildred loved attending all the area park concerts during the spring and summer months.In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in his name to the Southport Volunteer Fire Dept., 1001 Carl St., Elmira, NY 14904 or St. Mary's Church.A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for the family in obituaries atwww.olthof.com . A Life Tribute video celebrating John's life can be viewed at: videos.lifetributes.com/41779 .Leave a Loving Legacy - Olthof Funeral Home, Inc.