Lowell "Buddy" Turner, Jr.
September 14, 2008

Lowell E. “Buddy” Turner Jr., age 41, of North Stonington, CT passed away Sunday, September 14th at Yale New Haven hospital. Born the son of Alice White Turner and the late Lowell E. Turner Sr. on August 31, 1967, he led a life that many admired.
Buddy grew up in North Stonington and attended Wheeler High School. He joined the North Stonington Fire Department at age 16. He quickly climbed the ranks and served as deputy chief before relocating to Mystic and joining the Old Mystic Fire Department. He served as Captain at Old Mystic and then more recently returned to his original stomping grounds of North Stonington.
Buddy was also part of the Old Mystic Fast Team, Old Mystic Dive Team, and had also been a member of Mystic River Ambulance. As an EMT, fire instructor and fire officer, he enjoyed sharing his knowledge with new firefighters and helping them strive to become the best they could be. Buddy had been recognized as Firefighter of The Year more than once as was also recognized by Governor Jodi Rell with the Good Samaritan Award.
Firefighting was his passion as was helping people. Whether it be helping someone with directions, responding to an EMT call, car accident, or a blazing structure fire; Buddy thought nothing of risking his own life to save another.
Buddy was co-founder of the “Be a Buddy” Fund which was established by select firemen to raise money to help their fellow brothers and sisters of the department when they experience difficult times.
An avid sports lover, Buddy enjoyed NASCAR (Earnhardt all the way!), the Red Sox, the Boston New York Giants, fishing with his son Lowell, biking and he especially just to spend time with his two boys.
Strong willed and strongly opinionated, Buddy was a hard worker. He took much pride and found much joy in doing whatever he could to take care of his family. Buddy was a take control tough guy. He never backed down from a challenge. He had a great sense of humor with the ability to make people laugh. He had a vibrant smile like no other.
Buddy was predeceased by his father, Lowell E. Turner Sr. He is survived by the love of his life, Stephanie Gray Turner and their son Jacob.; son Lowell E. Turner III of Ashaway, RI; his mother, Alice White Turner of Stonington, sister Lisa Turner of Gales Ferry; niece Ashley Meardy of Stonington; two stepchildren, Cody Santos and Ashlee Hoitt both of Pawcatuck; several aunts, uncles, cousins; and the best friend he could have had, his German Sheppard, “Lady”. He also leaves behind many wonderful and supportive brothers and sisters of the fire department.
As Buddy said, “There is a lot to think about but nothing to worry about. Everything works out the way it should in the end”. He had battled cancer since 2003, and fought hard and stayed strong until he could no more. He passed very peacefully with his wife and mother at his side.
His family would like to thank all of the staff at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital for the wonderful care he received during his long battle. The overwhelming love an support from his brother and sister firefighters and his friends will never be forgotten and is so deeply appreciated. He was a one of a kind guy and will be in our hearts forever.
His family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8pm. A Funeral Service will be conducted at the Old Mystic Baptist Church, Shewville Rd, Old Mystic on Thursday at 11am. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, North Stonington.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the "Be A Buddy" Fund,c/o Fire Chief Hilbert,
Mystic Fire Department, 34 Broadway,
Mystic CT 06355 or the American Cancer Society, 106 Franklin Commons, Rte. 32, Franklin, CT 06254-1800

(courtesy: Dinoto Funeral Home Website)