Obituary of Philip Layton Turner

Mr. Philip Layton Turner, Jr., 87, of Austin Drive, Burlington, VT, spending Summers in Piseco Lake, NY, died Monday, August 30th 2010 at Albany Medical Center Hospital, unexpectedly after a brief illness. His final journey began two days before his passing with his morning swim in Piseco Lake, his most beloved place on earth. Born on July 31, 1923 in Utica, NY, he was the son of Philip Layton Turner, MD and Elizabeth Carol Schmidt Turner. He spent 55 years of his life in Philadelphia, PA, 10 years in New York City a year in Vermont and 86 summers at Piseco Lake, NY. Mr. Turner graduated from the Utica Country Day School in Utica, NY; Amherst College, where he received his B.A. in 1945; Columbia University School of Social Work, obtaining his MSW in 1949; In addition he attended the Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis; Williams College and Cornell University, for Naval Officers Training; Union Theological Seminary, New York City and the New School of Social Research, NY. He served in the US Navy during World War II from 1944-1945 as a Communications Officer aboard USS Pratt DE 363 Destroyer Escort in Pacific Theatre. In 1951 at the New York City Ethical Cultural Society, he was married to Paula Gordon. Together they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Mr. Turner was a member of the ACSW, NASW Adirondack Land Trust, Adirondack Council, St. Peter's Episcopal Church Choir, Saint Martin in the Field Choir in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Burlington Choral Society, First Congregational Church, Burlington. He is predeceased by a sister, Elisabeth Shuey. Phil was adored by his large family and friends, and was known as a caring, adventurous, gentle man with a very positive attitude, humility and temperance. He was a great storyteller and teacher, a great husband, fantastic father and a stupendous grandfather. He was passionate about the outdoors and stewardship of the Adirondacks, being a third generation summer resident of Piseco. He helped the indigent and all manner of people suffering with mental health problems as a lifelong Social Worker, Psychotherapist and volunteer. Phil co-led a mens support group in the Philadelphia area for the past 15 years with his close friend and associate Harry Orenstein, PhD. He contributed to multiple social work and environmental related organizations and charities throughout his life. Phil sang in many choirs and loved to sail, hike and ski with his children and grandchildren far into his later years. He is survived by Paula his wife of 60 years; his daughter, Julie, sons Michael and Adam; four grandchildren; his sister, Mary and brother, Carl and the many other members of his extended family.