Passed on Sunday, 18 July 2021
The Rev. Al Turner, Pastor Emeritus of South Congregational Church East Hartford died on Sunday, July 18, 2021 after a long period of declining health, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife Charlotte.
Al was a gentle man, who loved the sea & sky, who gave his all to his family and all who knew him and who followed in God's footsteps his entire life. In his 80 years, he left a priceless legacy of kindness, grace, humility, and laughter (tons of laughter) in his wake.
Al was born in Beverly, Massachusetts. He and Charlotte moved to East Hartford, Connecticut after marriage to begin his career with United Technologies. He worked at Pratt & Whitney & Hamilton Standard for 35 years, as a mechanical engineer and then creating and providing counseling as Ombudsman because he saw the need. After his forced early retirement, Al turned the other cheek and truly made sweet lemonade out of corporate lemons. In his 50's, he enrolled in Andover Newton and earned his Master of Divinity, all while still serving others in a bagel shop between classes. Al's attention to detail was part of who he was and he gifted that to others. He would listen and not judge, hug you without words when necessary, and was always there if you needed him. After his graduation from Andover Newton, he was chosen by the warm congregation of South Congregational Church to become the Senior Pastor, where he and Charlotte have worshipped since moving to Connecticut. He served this church family for close to 20 years as Pastor, more as a member of the choir, and overall, 55 years of faithful service. Always the problem solver, Al loved to work his crosswords and word searches. Al's family want to include special thanks to the caregivers and Hospice nurses who stepped in to bolster Charlotte and help her tend to and comfort Al in his last years.
A celebration of Rev. Al's life was held on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford from 11am to 2:00 pm. Dress was casual, Al loved the beach and being in nature in the warm weather. In lieu of flowers, please make your donations in his honor to his second home, South Congregational Church, 1301 Forbes Street, East Hartford, CT 06118. Cherish your stories and memories of Al and keep them close in your heart. Pay kindnesses forward when you see the opportunities.
For more information please go here.
Al was a gentle man, who loved the sea & sky, who gave his all to his family and all who knew him and who followed in God's footsteps his entire life. In his 80 years, he left a priceless legacy of kindness, grace, humility, and laughter (tons of laughter) in his wake.
Al was born in Beverly, Massachusetts. He and Charlotte moved to East Hartford, Connecticut after marriage to begin his career with United Technologies. He worked at Pratt & Whitney & Hamilton Standard for 35 years, as a mechanical engineer and then creating and providing counseling as Ombudsman because he saw the need. After his forced early retirement, Al turned the other cheek and truly made sweet lemonade out of corporate lemons. In his 50's, he enrolled in Andover Newton and earned his Master of Divinity, all while still serving others in a bagel shop between classes. Al's attention to detail was part of who he was and he gifted that to others. He would listen and not judge, hug you without words when necessary, and was always there if you needed him. After his graduation from Andover Newton, he was chosen by the warm congregation of South Congregational Church to become the Senior Pastor, where he and Charlotte have worshipped since moving to Connecticut. He served this church family for close to 20 years as Pastor, more as a member of the choir, and overall, 55 years of faithful service. Always the problem solver, Al loved to work his crosswords and word searches. Al's family want to include special thanks to the caregivers and Hospice nurses who stepped in to bolster Charlotte and help her tend to and comfort Al in his last years.
A celebration of Rev. Al's life was held on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford from 11am to 2:00 pm. Dress was casual, Al loved the beach and being in nature in the warm weather. In lieu of flowers, please make your donations in his honor to his second home, South Congregational Church, 1301 Forbes Street, East Hartford, CT 06118. Cherish your stories and memories of Al and keep them close in your heart. Pay kindnesses forward when you see the opportunities.
For more information please go here.