Brian D. Turley

1936 - 2022

Groton - Brian D. Turley, 85, of Groton passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2022, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was born in Peoria, Ill., Nov. 13, 1936, son of Louis E. (née Woodley) Turley and Ralph A. Turley.

Brian was a devoted brother, son, husband, father and grandfather. He lived his life dedicated to his wife, his family, the U.S. Navy, and encouraging his grandchildren to obtain good grades as well as pursue an education.

He served in the Navy for 25 years and hit many ports around the world. He was a true mustang, enlisted as an E-1 Seaman Recruit and retired as an O-4 Lieutenant Commander. He was assigned to submarines in the Navy and after that worked on submarines at Electric Boat, Groton, and Vickers Shipbuilding in Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom. He was a kind, humble, hardworking, and highly organized person. He had a bold, dry (and some might even say cheeky) sense of humor that always had his family laughing. He had a passion for boats, fishing, and volunteering. His family loved listening to the numerous stories he would share about his experiences in the Navy, fishing and traveling the world. He would always emphasize the importance of family, getting an education and giving back to others. His family plans to honor his memory by upholding these values.

He is survived by a large family that will miss him very much, including his son Daniel Turley, his wife Ruth (née Labitan) Turley; their children, Anastasia Turley and Natalia Turley; his son David Turley, his wife Kellie (née Maloney) Turley; their children, Danielle Turley and her fiancé Erick Robicsek, Brandon Turley and Nicole Turley; his daughter Diana (née Turley) O'Brien; her children, Kelly (née O'Brien) Ruiz, her husband Victor and stepson Luis, Kathleen O'Brien and Daniel O'Brien. He was predeceased by his wife, the love of his life, Ellen E. (née Kleis) Turley; his parents; his brother James Turley; and his son-in-law Bernard G. O'Brien.

The family wishes to thank the very kind nursing staff in the Emergency Room and CCU at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. Their care was full of compassion and it will be remembered.

The wake will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 1, at the Mystic Funeral Home, located on Route 1 in Mystic. A graveside service with military honors will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 2, at Noank Valley Cemetery, 31 Elm Street (Route 215) in Noank.