Richard W. Turner

It is with great sadness that the family of Richard W. Turner announces his passing after having a massive stroke. Richard was born in Montpelier, Vermont on December 24, 1935. He passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside on March 7, 2025. Richard grew up on the family farm in Berlin, Vermont, attending the one-room Berlin Corner School for elementary school, and graduating from Montpelier High School in 1953 and the University of Vermont in 1959, earning a BS in Civil Engineering. He loved airplanes and flying and was an Aviation Cadet for the United States Air Force. He later obtained his private pilot's license and co-owned a Piper Cub with his best friend, Bob Denis. Richard worked as an Engineer for the Vermont Agency of Transportation from 1959 until his retirement in 1996.
Richard was married to Patricia Prince of Springfield, MA from 1961 until her passing in 1988. Luckily, Richard found love again and was married to Pamela Moss Eardensohn from 1989 until his passing. He often remarked that he felt "twice blessed" and recalled fondly that Pat's dad, Harry Prince, told him after he married Pam: "I'm glad that you married Pat and I'm glad that you found Pam."
Richard and Pam savored their retired years, including purchasing a motor home and traveling around the country several times and taking trips and cruises with friends, including to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. They spent 17 years "snowbirding" in Bonita Springs, FL until 2016. Richard was an astute history buff and gave back to his beloved Vermont by volunteering for 25 years as Secretary at the Berlin Historical Society. He also served on the Berlin Conservation Commission and the Berlin Corner Cemetery Association. He was particularly proud of his writing of a book on the history of the Barre-Montpelier/E.F. Knapp Airport for the Berlin Historical Society, which was published in 2012 and included firsthand stories from fliers whom he had interviewed. Richard was a serious Red Sox fan and remarked that he could "die happy" because they finally won the World Series in 2004 after 86 years and that they won the right way by "WHIPPING the Yankees."
Richard is survived by his wife of 35 years, Pam; his step-daughter Kris Stelter (Pete Stelter) of East Lyme, CT and step-son Todd Eardensohn (Diana Embrey) of ChevyChase, MD; grandchildren Gretchen and Erik Stelter, and Lila and Alex Eardensohn; his brother Vernon Turner (Molly) of Amherst, MA; nieces Colleen Turner and Betty White and their families; and nephews Preston Turner, Russell Turner, James Turner, and John Turner and their families. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Ranald and Florence Turner, and his brother and sister-in-law, John & Ethel Turner.
For his younger grandkids, Lila and Alex, Rick was only sorry he "wasn't able to live long enough to see how they were going to turn out." However, from what he has seen, "he is sure they will have a great future." For the older grandkids, Gretchen and Erik, who have reached adulthood, Grandpa Ricky "already knows your futures are secure."
In lieu of a traditional funeral service, Richard requested that friends and family gather to celebrate his life and raise a glass or two to remember the good times as he felt fortunate to have had a "long and good life." To that end, family and friends are invited to celebrate Richard in the Montpelier Room at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Montpelier on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 12 to 3 PM. He leaves all who knew him with many happy memories and how to live decently and kindly on the earth.
Family requests donations be made in his memory to the following organizations that Richard held dear to his heart: the Berlin Historical Society, 108 Shed Road, Berlin, VT 05602 or to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641.