Educator, musician had many interests
MELROSE — George L. Tura, 92, longtime resident of Melrose passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Oosterman’s Rest Home in Melrose.
Mr. Tura was born in Saugus, one of eight children of the late Charles and Mildred (Curtis) Tura. Raised and educated in Saugus, George was a proud veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He served in the U.S. Army, 778th Tank Battalion as a Tech Sergeant during World War II and in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
He was a recipient of a Bronze Star for his service while stationed in Europe during WWII. His time in the military was a source of great strength and pride for George and he remained a true military man throughout his life.
George worked at United Shoe Machinery for 39 years, retiring as a product specialist in 1985. He was a longtime member of the Northeast Club at United Shoe where he served as chief.
George was a member and served as treasurer of the Wyoming Lodge AF&AM of Melrose. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Boston and the Aleppo Temple Shrine. He served as the vice chairman of the Congregational Retirement Homes, Inc, and was a member of the First Congregational Church and Green Street Baptist Church for many years.
With his late wife Grace, George enjoyed many rounds of golf at Mount Hood and they traveled extensively together throughout the United States and abroad. When at home, George was always busy. He was accomplishing jobs around the house, tinkering with a car engine or growing vegetables in the back yard. In his spare time, he also enjoyed woodworking and reading historical texts.
Throughout his life, he held his Army comrades close to his heart and even recently communicated with them through Facebook and e-mail. Independent and strong willed, George was always ready for any challenge that came his way. He will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
George was the beloved husband of the late Grace E. (Hubbs) Tura with whom he shared 70 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Janice I. Tura of Watertown and Phyllis L. Fish of Bedford. He was the dear brother of Charlotte P. Cahill of Peabody, Mildred E. Salsman of Saugus and the late Emma Penachio, A. Peter Tura, Charles E. Tura, Joseph Tura and Leonard A. Tura. He was the cherished grandfather of Jennifer, Janine, John, Matthew and Hillary. He was the loving great-grandmother of Malik and Azariah.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of George’s life for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday morning where his Funeral Service was celebrated at 10 a.m.
Interment with U.S. Army honors at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
