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BORN
1957
DIED
2022
Peter Turre Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Peter Turre
Bob Melrose
November 25, 2025
Peter-It has been three years since we had one of our epic talks. I mss you more than I can say. My world shrank three years ago. Save a spot for all of us up there!
Love,
Bob Melrose
Judy Neldam
January 10, 2025
I think of Pete every time I hear the Raiders score . . .
David Hendrickson
January 9, 2025
Best kickball player we had at Lafayette Elementary School
Bob Melrose
December 1, 2024
Miss you my friend.....every day!
How you can show support
Bob melrose
November 25, 2023
Peter-it has been a year and I still think about you every day. Thank you for enriching my life by being my friend. You left too soon!
Gary Yamane
June 1, 2023
Just found out about this - so sorry. Many fond and fun memories of high school life with Peter - from jazz band to playing ping pong in his basement room in Moraga.
Cissy Rubino
March 2, 2023
Condolences to the Turre family. Cissy (Rubino) Mladinich sharing a couple of memories from over 45 years ago. We visited the ranch in Moraga one year my Dad and Mom with their six kids and the Turre´s with their five. I don´t remember much but I´m sure it was a riotous time. Peter was around eight years old at that time. Eleven kid´s between the ages of 6 and probably 18 running around. Lots of good food good music and a lot of laughs. One thing I remember was their funny donkey. I think he was the neighborhood alarm clock. Noisy, noisy, noisy too funny.
Later about 15 years ago, Mrs. Turre invited my Mom to visit. My son was interested in attending the Maritime academy so we combined a college trip with our visit. We had a great time.
Our parents always kept in touch over the years even tho they didn´t see each other as often as they wanted. (Work and kids) I only knew Peter as an eight year old when I was 16, but after reading all the memories about Peter that his friends shared I know he is greatly missed.
Love to all the Turre´s from all the Rubino´s.
Judy Neldam (Woodward)
December 17, 2022
Pete was a regular visitor at the Woodward household in Moraga during the 70's and I have known him for most all of my life. Pete was a friend of my brother Warren (who passed away last year) and when Warren turned 60, Pete recorded a really sweet birthday video for him. Warren did not have too many friends in his life and so I know that video meant a lot to him and to my mother and me. Pete was a great guy, a wonderful friend, a loving husband and family man, an exceptional musician and a man who knew great food and wine. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to Phyllis and her family and to the entire Turre family.
Gregg Scott Wolpert
December 8, 2022
I was best friends with Peter in the early and mid-1980's when he moved to the Bronx. Still remember his apartment at 3510 Bainbridge Ave. I remember going to a Yankee game together on a July 4th and watching Dave Righetti pitch a no-hitter. And watching his Oakland Raiders in the Super Bowl (with Jim Plunkett as QB) at a party he hosted in his apartment. But the best story was when Peter put together a band to play at my first wedding in December 1983. He hired a young girl from the South to be his lead singer in a makeshift band for $60. Years later I found out it was Cassandra Wilson. I met Cassandra a couple of years ago and told her the story, and we both had a good laugh. Peter was everything you could ask for in a friend. I will miss him dearly. -Gregg Wolpert
Robert Knapp
December 6, 2022
It was a pleasure to know you, hear you play and know you are appreciated. Rest in peace, my friend.
Susan Sperry
December 4, 2022
The Turres lived across the hill from us. I remember hearing Peter playing the drums and Steve too. Our parents traveled together and we heard stories of Peter´s adventures from them. On his mother´s 80th birthday all the Turres entertained us in their front room with great music, food and stories. I am shocked to heard Peter has passed. Recently he asked on Facebook for a photo of his family home. I stepped out my back door and snapped a photo for him.
David Baranco
December 3, 2022
I am shocked to hear this news. I grew up with Peter in Lafayette California. We had a lot good times together over the years. Here is the last picture of us together. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace Peter
Chuck Kolb
December 3, 2022
As a long-time family friend - I literally married "the girl nxt dr" (Mari Campana), was both shock-
ed & saddened by the news of Pete´s passing He was truely 1 if God´s gd 1´s & w b missed by both fam & friends, both near & far RIP Pete
Bryan de Rover
December 2, 2022
On behalf of the Netherlands, we thank you for your influence and dedication to your art of music. Tonight, we honor you!. R.I.V
Elaine Nicoll
December 2, 2022
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Kim Severns Rice
December 2, 2022
So sorry to hear about Peter's passing. My condolences go out to his family. I knew him in high school and reconnected through facebook. May he and Ray be rocking it up there.
Chuck and Jen Howe
December 2, 2022
We are so sad to hear this. We had lost touch for a long time but connected again Jun 2021 in NOLA on our vacation. I've known Peter since high school and got to play in several bands with him. Super nice and talented guy. Gonna miss him!!
Lance Nott
December 1, 2022
I met Peter in 1989- working together at the Orinda house we became close friends- I was always surprised he stopped drumming and always urged him on- we had a lot of fun times- he later rejoined ray charles and I watched them play from back stage a few times- magnificent- I was lucky enough to be his best man at he and Phyllis´ wedding and offer her and family my condolences- always appreciated your friendship, Peter- go raiders
Dan Ghilarducci
December 1, 2022
I was shocked tom hear of Peter's passing.We go way back,and would message each other frequent.R.I.P. My
friend and condolences to your entire family.
David Safier
December 1, 2022
This is horrible news. I'm shocked. He was my first drum teacher when I was a freshman at Campolindo High School in the fall of 1974. He helped me get my first drum set and cymbals. Peter was an absolutely brilliant drummer. So much more soulful than other drummers our age. I will always remember the incredible solo he played on "Carnaby Street" with the Campolindo Jazz Band. I saw him play with Ray Charles once in Oakland and once in LA. He visited me afterwards at my dorm in college. He turned me on to Billy Cobham and Art Blakey and Buddy Rich and I turned him onto Kool and the Gang's "Wild and Peaceful". Very fond memories and a vary sad painful loss.
Trish Markey
December 1, 2022
I feel like I have known Peter all of my life, beginning at Donald Rheem School playing on the playground. So thankful to have had drinks in Nola a few years back. My heart is broken for his family and for such a great loss. RIP
Drew Pletcher
December 1, 2022
Rest well Peter. I truly appreciated the time and interaction with Peter in the Jazz Band at Campolindo High School.
Leslie and Chuck
December 1, 2022
We are so very sorry for your loss. Peter was an incredible beautiful, warm hearted, fun loving soul. He will be greatly missed by all those who were blessed to cross his path! The earth has lost a rare jewel.
Tim J
December 1, 2022
Rest in peace my dear friend Peter. He and I meet 28 years ago due to our passion for the Raiders. We also shared a bond as percussionist's which drew us closer as friends over the years. Peter will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences.
EDWARD SPICER
December 1, 2022
Rest In Peace Brother Drumsky....
Bob Melrose
December 1, 2022
Peter-we have k own each other since the 2nd grade. We drifted apart but found each other again on FB. I will miss our talks. You always kept me honest and opened my eyes to new ways for looking at the world.
As you always said -the two of us could solve most problems over a beer.
I have a Peter Turre Jazz playlist on Amazon which includes every suggestion you ever sent me. I am saddened that it will not be growing anymore.
You were a great man, father, husband, drummer and helped out the Commodore´s Palace in the map.
Save a seat for me at the Ray Charles concerts in heaven. I hope to join you for a show someday!
Bob Melrose
Richard "Richie K" Krantzman
December 1, 2022
As Randell said below, Peter and I were both drummers in the Jazz band at Campolindo. Although he was two years younger, he had some great chops back then and I knew he was good. After graduating we lost touch until Facebook came about. I then learned of his playing with Ray and didn't realize he was his drummer when they performed at Humphreys By The Bay in San Diego many times. I was an usher there and saw a few shows.
When we connected on FB we reminisced about our high school days and playing together. We even did a drum solo together at one of our performances back then.
I know Peter missed playing the drums later in life but always said that working in the restaurant was like playing to him.
So sad that such a wonderful and talented man left this world way too soon. Peter will always hold a special place in my heart.
Allen and Susan Evans
December 1, 2022
We both share in your grief. Such a sweet, kind soulWe will always remember all the good times we shared as a family. Love and prayers
Randell Kirsch
December 1, 2022
I am saddened to hear this news, and so grateful for the time I had with Peter. We both went to Campolindo high school and played together in the school jazz band, and in a rock band that played local dances. I also took the path of playing music professionally after college, and our paths crossed a couple of times when the artists we played with (Ray Charles/Beach Boys) shared a bill. Peter was so much fun and had so much talent. I will continue to honor and respect him through fond memories.
Daniel J Weinstein
December 1, 2022
Devastating news. RIP Peter, great drummer and person.
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