ANDREW TURANO M.D.

1926 - 2014

TURANO, ANDREW F. , M.D. Andrew F. Turano, M.D., of Colchester, beloved husband of Diane (Schondorf) Turano for fifty years, passed away on Tuesday, August 19th, at his home with family by his side. Born in New York City on September 24, 1926, he was the son of the late Andrew and Esther (Vitale) Turano who both arrived here from Italy before marriage. Dr. Turano was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. NAVY as an electronics technician in the Pacific Theater from 1945-1946. After attending public schools, including Queens College in NYC, he obtained an M.D. degree at New York University College of Medicine. He served a year of internship at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, CT and returned to New York City to complete his training for certification in Pediatrics at N.Y.U. Dr. Turano opened his office in Middletown in 1954, and obtained Board Certification in Pediatrics and became a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. While at Middlesex Hospital, he served as president of the Medical Staff and as Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, during which time he introduced the “Share The Care” program, allowing mothers to remain in the hospital with their sick children at all times and assisting in their care. He also allowed La Leche League certified teachers to make rounds in the hospital, assisting mothers in the art of breastfeeding. Dr. Turano organized the pediatric practice group in Middletown, Middlesex Pediatrics, which grew to have four physicians and two Pediatric nurse practitioners. He retired from pediatric practice in 1991 and was a Medical Director at Aetna Insurance Company for four years. Upon his change in career he gravitated to the collection and restoration of antique pewter. Dr. Turano joined the Pewter Collector’s Club of America, and published numerous articles in their Bulletin, primarily on the subject of Connecticut pewter and pewterers. He also had a lifelong passion for writing poetry, painting, photography and listening to classical music and was an avid collector. Upon retirement he enjoyed maintaining his house and grounds and the company of his wife and family whom he deeply loved. Along with his loving wife, Diane, Dr. Turano is survived by his five children, Andrew Turano, Peter Turano, Lisa Turano Lento, Paul Turano and his wife, Alexandra Huff and Amy Turano Thurber and her husband, Frederick; and three grandchildren, Benjamin Thurber and twins, Della and Julian Turano. A private graveside service will be held in Westchester Center Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Monday, August 25th, from 5:00 to 8:00pm at Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Turano’s memory to Middlesex Hospital Weiss Hospice Unit, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457.To share memories or send condolences, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com