Thomas R. Turner, 59, of Port Ewen

Thomas R. Turner, 59, of Broadway, Port Ewen, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 4, 2015.

He was born on Sept. 21, 1955, in Kingston, a son of the late Francis Morgan and Elizabeth (Hartmann) Turner. Thomas graduated from Coleman Catholic High School in 1973, and went on to become a certified Mercury/Volvo/Mercruiser marine mechanic and dealer.

Tom was known for his love of family, love of boating, and everything marine, which was evident in his life’s work. He started his family business, Ulster Marine, in 1973. Tom’s business flourished and relocated to Abeel Street along the Rondout Creek in 1980. He was well known in the community for his expertise in the marine business and was the top Chris Craft dealer in the Northeast for sales and service for many years. He was also a former tunnel boat racer (#360) who built his own race boats. At the time of his retirement from racing in 1983, he was the Canadian National Racing Champion and No. 2 in the USA. Tom had been a longtime member of the Hidden Harbor Yacht Club, which his father helped co-found.

He is survived by his beloved partner, Michele “Frenchie” Sage, of Port Ewen; a daughter and sonin-law, Jamie and Jeremy Carson of Pine Plains; a son, Matthew Turner of Kingston; grandsons, Elijah, Nathaniel and Tivon Carson; brother and sisterin-law, Morgan and Wendy Turner of West Shokan; many nieces and nephews; former spouse, MaryJo Turner of Kingston; and his beloved canine companion, Mugsy. He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Turner.

Memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 7 on Friday, May 8, 2015, at Gilpatric-VanVliet Funeral Home, 339 Broadway, Ulster Park. A Memorial Mass will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at St. Mary’s Church, Kingston. Inurnment will be private.

To send an expression of condolence, visit www.GVVFH.com.