Michael Anthony Turner

Michael was born August 19, 1957 in Buckland, MA. He attended Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School, and graduated from Mohawk Trail Regional High School. His love for the culinary arts started as a teen, and he worked at both Howard Johnsons and The Sweet Heart Tea House. That passion led him to The School of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism at Schenectady, where he pursued a career as a chef. Michael moved to Florida after college, to work and enjoy the sunshine. After working at and managing different restaurants, he took a job with T.G.I Fridays. His talent and work ethic quickly pushed him from waiter, to In- Store Trainer to Master Bartender. When the opportunity came to both work at and open more Fridays across the country, he took it! The cross-country opportunity eventually led him to open the first Fridays in Connecticut. This gave him an opportunity to be closer once again to family and friends in Massachusetts. Nine months later, a young girl, who wanted a part time job while attending college, applied for a waitressing position. Within a few days of meeting the handsome bartender she told her friend, “I’m going to marry him someday!” And that’s how the love story of Michael and Deborah began! Michael put together golf tournaments and Christmas Parties for many years, raising money for local charities and year after year donating to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. After many years in the restaurant/culinary world, he went back to school, and entered the computer industry as an Instructor. He earned many certifications from Microsoft, working at Connecticut Computer Services in Plantsville CT. and New Horizons Computer Learning Center of Orlando. He loved to teach! Whether in the restaurant, from behind a computer or on the baseball field as the coach of Kolby and his team, he made sure everyone felt supported and that they had a teacher for life.

Above all, Michael’s love for Deborah, Michayla and Kolby was like no other. Everything he set out to do and accomplish was for his family. Twenty-two years ago, he planned and executed brilliantly the surprise honeymoon of a life-time. At the wedding reception, he sent his new bride on a small scavenger hunt to reveal the surprise destination. He planned their two weeks in Paris, even learning a little French to make it more special! As they planned their family, they were blessed with two amazing children, Michayla and Kolby. He loved them both beyond unconditionally. He was a protector and advocate to his little girl, and a coach and hero to his son. But most importantly he was their loving Dad.

Michael was a Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Brother-in-law, Son-in-law, Uncle, Teacher, Coach, Friend, die-hard Red Sox and Patriots fan, but most of all, a kind, loving, unselfish human being who will be greatly missed by many.

Michael will be forever remembered by his loving wife and best friend Deborah, and their precious children Michayla Ann and Kolby Anthony. He also leaves behind, his mother Irene Raymond Turner, his brothers Terry (Lyn), Rusty (Brenda), Scott (Katie), and his sister Cathy Powell. His mother-in-law Barbara Luke, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Cary & Diana Gray, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends. He is preceded by his father Frank Turner.

Celebrations of Michael’s life in both Connecticut and Florida will be announced at a later date. Those who desire may make memorial donations in memory of Michael to his children through Venmo, “@Deborah-Turner-1998”, which was kindly set up by his New Horizons Work Family.