Robert L. Turchin

Bob Turchin passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his
large and loving family on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Robert Louis Turchin was born on February 22, 1922 in New York
City, the son of Benjamin and Gertrude Turchin. The family moved to
Miami Beach in 1930, and Bob has remained a resident ever since.
Early on, he spent summers in Key West, learning construction, which
he ultimately would make his lifelong career. Bob graduated from
Miami Beach Senior High School and then, in 1943, earned his
Business degree from Tulane University, where he excelled on the
varsity football and track teams. Years later, he would be inducted into
Tulane's Athletic Hall of Frame for his achievements.
Upon college graduation, Bob entered the United States Navy and
proudly served as a Lieutenant and Chief Gunnery Officer until the end of
the World War II. He fought in some of the most significant battles of the
War, including the Normandy Invasion and later in the Pacific Front, on
Guadalcanal and the assault on Okinawa.
While in New Orleans, Bob met Lillian Athey, who was to become
the love of his life. They were married between his Naval assignments.
After the War, he returned to Miami Beach with Lillian, and decided to
pursue his earlier passion for construction. They spent the remainder of
their lives together, raising their five children in Miami Beach.
Bob was President and Chairman of Robert L. Turchin, Inc., and
became one of the most respected and successful builders in the
country, with well over 100 major buildings to his credit. Just a few
of the many included: the original Shore Club (his first major building),
Baptist Hospital, of which he was most proud, Florida Memorial College,
The Saxony Hotel, The Sea Isle (The Palm), The Four Ambassadors, all
of the Seacoast Towers buildings, the Key Colony, Brickell Place, Villa
Regina, The Morton Towers (The Flamingo), Nine Island Avenue, Belle
Plaza, The Tiffany, Maison Grande, The King Cole, The Crystal House,
Imperial House,Carriage House,Roney Plaza Condominiums (Ganesvoort),
100 Lincoln Road (The Decoplage), Oliver House, The Castaways,
Sahara Motel, Dilido Hotel, Seville Hotel, Diplomat Hotel, David William
Hotel, Coconut Grove Hotel, Doral Hotel (Miami Beach Resort), Marc
Light Baseball Field for the University of Miami, The Grand, and many,
many more throughout South Florida. He later became President of
Gulfstream Land and Development Corp.
Bob earned the sterling reputation of being a "builder's builder", and
was known for honoring contracts with a handshake…for Bob Turchin,
his word was his bond.
Bob also served tirelessly on countless community boards and civic
committees. He was President and a Lifetime Member of the Associated
General Contractors of America. He also served as a member of the
Dade County Contractors Examining Board and he was the Chairman
of the Dade County Contractors Mediation Board. He was a Director and
President of the Miami Builders' Exchange. Bob was President of the
Better Business Bureau, Director of the Friends of the Bass Museum,
and Chairman of the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board. He also
served as a Trustee and Secretary/Treasurer on the Board of Cedars
Medical Center, a Director of Keller Industries, Inc., and was a Director of
Sun Bank of Bal Harbor and Chase Federal Savings and Loan Association.
Bob was also a Founder of the University of Miami, and an member of
the Ibis Society. He was a B'nai B'rith National Industry Leader; and he
was a Director of the Miami Philharmonic Society.
Bob was elected to the Miami Beach City Council, and eventually
served as Vice- Mayor of the City of Miami Beach. He was a Director
and Vice president of the Dade County League of Municipalities. He also
served as a member of the Metropolitan Dade County Board of Rules
and Appeals.
In addition to his professional successes and many civic
accomplishments, Bob generously supported numerous worthwhile
educational causes. He was a Trustee of his alma mater,Tulane University.
Bob was also chosen to be a member of the Paul Tulane Society,
the University's most prestigious honorary distinction. In 1983, Bob
received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the Tulane Business
School for his many professional, civic, and philanthropic
accomplishments, especially in the areas of higher education and
student-athletic endeavors. At Tulane, Bob served on the University
President's Council, as well as the Dean's Advisory Council of the
Tulane Business School. He also became Chairman of the Tulane Alumni
Regional Fund. Bob and Lillian Turchin became major benefactors of
Tulane University, which bears their names on the Library of the Tulane
Business School, and the Turchin Baseball Stadium.
Bob spent many wonderful years with Lillian and their family in the
mountains of North Carolina. They became actively involved in various
educational, cultural,and athletic projects atAppalachian State University.
Bob was elected to the Board of Trustees and was a Director of the ASU
Foundation. Bob and Lillian also were major benefactors of the Turchin
Center for the Visual Arts. Bob was most proud of being the Honorary
Coach of the Special Teams for the three-time National Championship
ASU Mountaineer football team. He was on the sidelines during one of
the greatest upsets in college football history, when tiny ASU defeated
mighty Michigan before nearly 110,000 stunned fans in Ann Arbor.
One of Bob Turchin's proudest days was Friday, November 30, 2012
when he became the formal recipient of the French Government's oldest
and highest honor, the esteemed title of Chevalier of the French Legion
d'Honneur and Medal, awarded for his valiant service in the United
States Navy at the Invasion of Normandy and Omaha Beach during
World War II.
In spite of his incredible largesse, Bob always remained a humble
and uncomplicated man. He related to all people, rich or poor, famous
or unknown, with equal candor, honesty, decency, and acceptance. To
one and all, he enjoyed the reputation of an exceptional and remarkable
human being …as a man who never sought fame nor recognition for his
generosity. Indeed, Bob, himself would surely be embarrassed by this
partial list of his many personal, civic, philanthropic, and professional
accomplishments. He was just that modest.
Bob was so fortunate to have shared his life, travels, and adventures
with Lillian, who supported his endeavors, and was his anchor and lifepartner
in raising their large family. Indeed, they enjoyed a fulfilling and
meaningful life together.
Bob Turchin is survived by his life wife of over 68 years, Lillian Athey
Turchin; and their large immediate family: Barbara (Dr. Jack) Grossman,
and grandson, Dr. Robert A. Grossman; Robert L. (Stephanie) Turchin,
Jr., and grandchildren, Lauren Turchin and Michael Turchin; Melanie
(Howard) Beckerman, and grandchildren, Mathew (Cathy) Beckerman,
Alyssa Beckerman, and Jared Beckerman;Thomas (Theresa) Turchin, and
grandson, Jesse Turchin; and John (Susan) Turchin, and grandchildren,
Ashley Turchin and Jordan Turchin. He is also survived by his loving
sister Lucille Turchin Kroll, and her children and grandchildren. Bob was
pre-deceased by his loving sister Phyllis Turchin Kovens, and will always
be remembered by her children and grandchildren.
Bob's family greatly appreciates the devoted and loyal support
provided by his executive secretary, Cathy Kirzner. They are also very
grateful to Denneb Moore, Beryl Allen, and his care-providers: Evantha
Blake, Joy King, and Rose Estiverne for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, Bob's family requests that donations may be made
to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Seasons Hospice-Miami, or Temple
Israel, Miami.
Funeral services under direction of Riverside-Gordon Memorial
Chapels (Tel: 305-935-3939) will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday,
February 17, 2013 at Temple Israel, 137 NE 19th Street, Miami, Florida.