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John Turner Obituary
Born in Boise, Idaho, Dr. Turner earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington and studied Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Turner was a Double Board Certified Endocrinologist and was a partner with the Lombard Medical Associates Group. He served on the staff at Graduate, Temple, Penn and the VA Hospitals in the city throughout his career. As a passionate advocate to develop a cure for the AIDS virus, Dr. Turner worked with Dr. Jonas Salk on developing the Salk Vaccine and was the founding chair of “Philadelphia Fight” a research and medical facility for the treatment of the AIDS virus. Among his many accomplishments throughout his career, Dr. Turner was recognized in 1988 as a “Top Doc” in Philadelphia.
Away from his profession, Dr. Turner was an accomplished pianist and organist. He studied under Adele Anderson Wayne early on and more recently studied under the direction of Frieda Pastor Berkowtz. Dr. Turner will be fondly remembered for his dry sense of humor, strong work ethic and passion for his relationship.
Life partner of Thom Bernardo.
Father of two.
Grandfather of 3.
Burial Office & Holy Eucharist will be offered on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in St. Luke and the Epiphany Episcopal Church, 330 S. 13th Street; where relatives and friends may call after 10 a.m..
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Turner¹s memory may be made to the AIDS Law Project, 1211 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Arrangements under the direction of the McGUINNESS FUNERAL HOME, WOODBURY.
Tributes and memories may be shared at www.mcgfuneral.com.
“The Lifetime Tribute Funeral Home”
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michael Bottari
January 22, 2021
Regards to Thomas Bernardo. Tommy, hope you are well. Would love to hear from you. Your old friend Mike.
Celia Abrams
March 11, 2008
Dear Tom,
I am so very sorry for your loss of a well honored exceptional man. I remember John as a committed, compassionate, charismatic doctor and co-worker. I remember his laughing eyes, unbeatable wit; at times teasing, and bold voice and the commradary we shared during the time we spent working as a team to care for so many people together. I knew John. He was a caring friend and support to the community for so long both actively and in his heart even when he was no longer practicing. This I know to be true. I feel sad Tom. Please know tender thoughts are with you at this time., Ceil
Jessica Eastwood
March 10, 2008
Uncle Tommy,
I am so sorry to hear about John. I remember how I used to go to the office and do homework while his music played....he will be sadly missed. If you need anything please do not hesitate to call.
Love you.
Elaine Tiberini (Paolini)
March 10, 2008
Many years ago, I worked with John in the Endocrine Section at University of Pennsylvania as the Administrative Assistant, and I have never forgotten him. John was a special person. I can still remember his humor, and how he made us all laugh, his compassion for people and his patients, and the great doctor that he was. Most of all, I remember the wonderful musician he was. We played together many times in a quartet and gave concerts for department events. I am very saddened by the loss of John.
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Jeanne Marks
March 10, 2008
John Tuner was a terrific doctor and person. He was my doctor and had a wonderful bedisde manner along with a great sense of humor. He spent a great deal of time with each patient and I knew he cared about each one of us. I had not seen him in years, but I will always be grateful to him.
Kimberly Oliver
March 10, 2008
Thom, my deepest sympathy for your loss. I'm not sure if you remember me...I used to work for Dr. Turner @Graduate. I did the billing in his office. Dr. Turner was a wonderful intellilgent man with a great sense of humor. One memory I have is at Christmas time, he asked to borrow my Christmas bulb earrings & wore them in his ears while seeing patients in the office & @the hospital. He will be missed. Love, Kim Oliver
Judith Iannuzzi Fanelli
March 10, 2008
I was a patient of Dr. Turner for many years. He was a dedicated physician and would always say:
"Come on kids" when he would see us. He made the visits enjoyable and funny. May he rest in peace.
Barbara Gallagher
March 9, 2008
Dear Tommy, I am so sorry for your loss. John was my mentor and teacher when I first became a nurse working in the field of HIV. He taught me so much! He was also a friend. Even though I had not seen him for a while I thought about him often. The world has lost a great man. Craig and I offer our condolances to you and the rest of his family.
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