Francis Turner

Francis “Frank or Red” Dudley Turner, age 84, of Saranac Lake NY passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, July 18th 2022 surrounded by his family.

Born in Saranac Lake on April 5, 1938, Frank was the son of Leo Dudley and Viola Evelyn (Ducatt) Turner. Frank married Patricia Ann Mary “Pam” Passino on May 2, 1964 and she predeceased him on June 4, 2009

Frank and Pam really enjoyed traveling and seeing the country, attending National Elks conventions, spending time at their camp on Upper Saranac Lake boating and enjoying the Adirondacks.

His true passion was being an avid supporter of Saranac Lake sports and athletics. Frank also enjoyed volunteering as an umpire, coach, a member of the high school football chain gang and being an alpine skiing official to name a few. Frank was a proud supporter of the Saranac Lake Redskins and most recently was inducted to the hall of fame as an honorary member.

He also spent over 55 years as a member of the BPOE lodge 1508 even though he could never get over the sale of the building. Frank was a NYS Elks trustee for 7 years and chairperson of the board for 3 years and really enjoyed traveling to the NYS Elks conventions with his friend Dr. Bristol. Frank also volunteered for the Mended Hearts Association, the Lunch Box, High Peaks Hospice, the Saranac Lake fifth quarter club and several other volunteer organizations.

Frank was owner and operator of Turner’s Cottages. He had a hobby of selling wood to campers and enjoyed humorous small talk with them and built numerous friendships over the years. Frank was a well-known insurance salesman for many of the communities in Northern NY State and was a top salesman many times.

Frank is survived by his sons: Eric Turner (Margaret) of Saranac Lake and Timothee Turner (Tricia) of Floral Park NY, his brothers: Errol (Letan) of Jacksonville FL and William of Tupper Lake NY, numerous nieces and nephews, and three grandchildren Riley, Molly and Devin whom he very much enjoyed spending time with.

In addition to his wife, Frank was predeceased by his father and mother and his brothers: Danny, Timothy and Leo.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. Calling hours are scheduled for Wednesday July 20, 2022 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday July 21, ,2022 at 1:00pm at St. Bernard’s Church with the Reverend Paul Kelly officiating, burial will immediately follow in St. Bernard’s Cemetery.

Family and friends wishing to remember Francis “Frank” or “Red” Turner may make memorial contributions to the High Peaks Hospice in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Family and friends can also send condolences, share a memory and sign the on-line guest book at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.