Dr. Joe Turkel was a devoted, loving father, and a sensitive, caring research psychologist/psychoanalyst, whose early retirement was precipitated by the diagnosis and progression of young-onset Parkinson's disease. At the time of his death, he was lovingly supported by his family and caregivers.
Dr. Turkel was the son of Irving and Blanche (Reisman) Turkel, and was born and raised in New York City. He attended and graduated from NYC public schools, including Brooklyn Technical High School and the City College of New York, where he received his undergraduate degree. He received master's and doctoral degrees in experimental psychology from McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, CA, where he became immersed in the research and study of animal and human vision and behavior. Over the course of his empirical research years, he worked with groups studying various aspects of vision in labs at CCNY and Brooklyn College, as well as Columbia University Medical Center. Over the years, ever curious, imaginative, and self-directed, Dr. Turkel became more interested in human behavior, hypnosis, psychotherapy, and psychoanalysis. During the early 1980's, he embarked on a new path of learning and training at the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health, where he received a certificate in Adult Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, and where he became Director of Research subsequent to graduation from the Institute. During the course of his psychoanalytic training, Dr. Turkel also met fellow trainee, Karen Dubiner, who was to become his wife and mother of their two children. During his post-Postgraduate years, Dr. Turkel maintained a private psychoanalytic psychotherapy practice on the Upper West Side, held a position as clinical supervisor in the doctoral program in clinical psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, and was co-founder of Central Park Behavioral Health, a group psychotherapy practice which helped psychologists to build their practices while facilitating the referral process for patients seeking psychotherapeutic treatment.
Joe remained steadfast in his devotion to his patients and to raising his children. He always had time for the needs of both, and approached his care for them similarly, with keen intelligence, kindness, generosity, and insightful, loving humor. His precipitous retirement was a great loss for all. However, Joe's lifelong passion for photography and his creative eye produced a treasure trove of photographs and slides that captured, to name a few, scenes of city streets, of verdant trees and rusty locks, of John Birchers on Broadway, of real people in remote places, of stray cats and street urchins, of cars and cabs in swirling motion, of family and friends, and of course, of his kids. All who knew Joe will forever be inspired by his understated, perceptive presence, and grateful for having been touched by his life.
Dr. Turkel is survived by his daughter Anni (Celia), son Simon, and former spouse, Dr. Karen Dubiner. He is also survived by his sister Leah Knispel (Harry), nephews and nieces, friends, and former patients and colleagues. He was predeceased by his sister Cynthia Rubin (Myron).
Funeral Arrangements held under the direction of Hellman Memorial Chapels - 15 State Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977 (845) 356-8600 Jewish Funeral Directors
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