Edward J. Turbitt

Edward J. Turbitt, age 79, of Danielson, CT, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Davis Place, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was the husband of Maureen L. (Bailey) Turbitt. They were married for nearly 57 years. Born in Providence, RI, Ed was the son of the late Edward and Gladys (Tierney) Turbitt, and attended Cranston High School before graduating from Providence College in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He then joined the Army Reserves from which he was honorably discharged in 1970. Ed resided in Barre, Vermont with his wife for over 40 years before they retired to Danielson, CT 15 years ago. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Brian E. Turbitt of Nantucket, MA and his daughter, Erin T. Lenox of Norfolk, MA; and two grandchildren, Caroline and Michael Lenox. He was the brother of Carol Forrest of North Smithfield, RI and formerly of Cranston, RI. Ed was employed by the State of Vermont for 36 years with the Agency of Human Services and later as the Property Management Lead, managing and negotiating the office space used by State employees across Vermont. He made lifelong friends over his long career with whom he cherished time both in and out of the office, including many golf trips (in particular, the infamous “Southern Tour”), Red Sox games, trips to the Final Four basketball and hockey tournaments and UVM hockey games. His children and grandchildren were Ed’s greatest pride and joy and he joyously coached his son and daughter’s youth teams for many years, including baseball, softball and hockey. Several Vermont State Championship plaques adorn Ed’s walls from his summer All-Star teams! No matter how long the drive or how early he needed to leave the office, Ed never missed his children’s high school sporting events. He later enjoyed umpiring softball and officiating hockey to stay active and involved with the sports once his children grew up, often taking a moment to share a coaching tip with a young player. When his grandchildren began playing baseball and softball, Ed could be found seated right behind home plate with his own umpiring clicker, doing his very best to engage in conversation with the umpire. Ed loved to travel and, along with Maureen, visited many destinations throughout the United States including California, North Dakota, Wyoming, Las Vegas, NV and Florida. Ed and Maureen also enjoyed several cruises as well as a cherished trip to Ireland with close relatives and friends. As Alzheimer’s disease steadily stole Ed’s memories and his ability to function in recent years, Maureen remained tirelessly by his side, filling in the words he could not find and guiding him through every moment of every day. Ever the competitor, he enjoyed watching game shows on television and spent many afternoons outside in his chair, saying hello to the neighbors walking by. In his final weeks, Ed was moved to Davis Place where he could be most safely cared for and he never stopped trying to remember and write down information about his cherished loved ones. Relatives and friends are invited to Ed’s funeral which will be held on Friday, June 18th, at 10 a.m. from the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Peter’s Church, 350 Fair Street, Warwick, RI. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday from 9 – 10 a.m. Burial will be in the St. Francis Cemetery in Pawtucket, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Barre Youth Sports Association (BYSA) Ice Hockey Program, P.O. Box 821, Barre, VT 05641. To leave condolence messages, please visit www.barrettandcotter.com