Published in the April 29, 2016 edition
MELROSE – Michael P. “Mike” Turner Jr., 34, of Melrose, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 20, surrounded by his loving family.
Michael was born in Melrose and was the eldest child of Michael Sr. and Cheryl Turner. Mike’s early childhood was spent in Melrose, then in 2000 he graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover. Mike graduated from Dartmouth College in 2004 and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 2012. He worked at Setra Systems, a subsidiary of Danaher Corporation as a product marketing manager.
An avid hockey player, Mike was skating on the ice before he learned to walk. A gifted athlete, he played soccer, hockey and baseball throughout his formative years and served as captain of the hockey and baseball teams at Phillips Andover. In college, he played four years for the Dartmouth Hockey Team. Mike also played in the Central Hockey League for the Lubbock Cotton Kings during the 2004-05 season.
Mike’s business career began as a consultant with the Monitor Group. He then worked as an analyst with Monster.com, followed by HubSpot, before joining Setra in 2013.
Despite all of his professional and athletic accomplishments, Mike will be most remembered for his ability to touch the lives of others. He had a remarkable talent for bringing people together. A natural leader, Mike’s charisma and enthusiasm for life was contagious, creating close bonds among the many people with whom he formed lasting friendships. Affectionately known as “Turns,” he will be greatly missed by his many friends and teammates. His kindness, joy and humor will always live on in our hearts.
Mike leaves his beloved wife, Katherine (Kate) Pollard Turner and their son Brennan M. Turner. He is also survived by his parents Michael P. and Cheryl (Rogers) Turner of Melrose. He was the son-in-law of Jay and Pat Pollard of Marblehead. He was the brother of Casey R. Turner of Melrose. He was the brother-in-law of Cameron Wolfsen and her wife Elisabeth of South Carolina. He was the grandson of Leo and Margaret Turner of Melrose and Anthony and Nancy Rogers of Florida. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Mike is also survived by his cherished support dog Hunter.
His family will be forever grateful to Dr. Daniel Deschler of Mass. Eye and Ear; Dr. Norbert Liebsch, Dr. Edwin Choy; and the Sarcoma Cancer Team at Massachusetts General Hospital for their excellent care throughout his extended illness.
Family and friends gathered, shared memories and celebrated Mike’s life with his family on Sunday, April 24, at Spinelli’s, on Route 1 South, Lynnfield. Burial services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a fund for Brennan Michael Turner, in his name , c/o Eastern Bank, 441 Main St., Melrose MA 02176.
