May 2, 2016
Joseph John Turcotte, 51, died Monday, May 2, surrounded by the love of his family following a long struggle with cancer.
The memorial service celebrating his life will be at 11AM on Saturday, May 7, at the Frink Park Pavilion, Riverside Dr., Clayton. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his name to The Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, 612 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850.
Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton.
Joe was born in Watertown on September 30, 1964, the fourth of Joseph and Suzanne Turcotte's six children. He is preceded in death by both his parents and a sister, Jennifer, who died in infancy.
He graduated from Alexandria Bay High School in 1983. And went on to earn an Associates degree in Math and Science from Jefferson Community College and a Bachelors in Science degree from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse.
Joe began his career in government in Orange County California. Eventually, working for transit systems in both Savannah, Georgia and Charlotte, NC. In 2005, he was named General Manager of Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit in Ithaca, NY. In 2011, under his leadership, TCAT was named the best transit system of its size by the Washington DC - based American Public Transportation Association. He was known by his colleagues for his steady guidance, sense of humor and fun and fairness.
Joe was a lifelong hockey fan, having started playing when he was 4. He never gave up on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
But his true love was his family. He married his high school best friend Lynda Natali and together they traveled and built a life. In 2004, his beloved son Joseph "Mac" Turcotte was born and he devoted himself to being a father. He also loved his hometown of Clayton. And needed nothing more then spending a day with them on the beautiful St. Lawrence River.
He is survived by his wife, Lynda M. Natali, Skaneateles; son, Joseph "Mac" Turcotte, Skaneateles; three sisters, Julie E. and husband, Dr. Todd S. Koch, VA, Sarah S. O'Day, CA and Beth A. and husband, Craig F. McGraw, Cape Vincent; brother, Andrew I. and wife, Melinda, N. Syracuse; one aunt, one uncle, several nieces and nephews and their families and cousins.
Online condolences to his family may be made at www.cummingsfuneral.com.
Comments
My deepest love to you All!
Your beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many has left us certainly too soon, but his suffering and incredible pain has ceased and he is at peace. Joey was my age, and he was a deep thinker, outstanding leader, compassionate man with a dry wit. A loving father and devoted husband he strongly desired to return home to enjoy his native Clayton.Even at the pinnacle of his successful career, he yearned to return to Clayton to enjoy the River and the camp on Grindstone Island with Lynda and Mac. I was not able to attend the celebration of his life, but I'm sure it was a fitting tribute to a North Country native who had so much to give back to the region he so loved. My heart is broken for all the Turcottes and his extended family. May all of you take comfort in that he is now truly "home" with his beloved parents, Joe and Suzanne, who served the region well and raised a loving family.
Sincerely,
Judith Hershberger
Karen Veverka
Thinking of you during this sad time. Joe surely had the attributes of a Turcotte. I was unable to attend his memorial as I am out of town but think there could be no better way to honor him than at Frink Park along the banks of the St. Lawrence River...may you find strength in his memory & the love you shared. Donna, Claude, & Amanda Williams
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Sincerely
Mike, Lisa, Justin and Jillian