George Turner

It is with profound sadness that the family of George Turner announces his death on Monday April 1, 2024, at the age of 77, from Urothelial Cancer.

It is with joy that we say his struggle against this disease was valiant throughout, and that his life ended surrounded in his last few months with his family who he loved so much and the myriad of friends who were such a big part of his world.

Born in McKeesport on July 21, 1946, he was the first child of George and Eva Jarvis Turner. He grew up not only in a house in the city but also on the three rivers of Pittsburgh, living on a houseboat in the summers. His love of water and all things with a motor were started there. He learned to operate a boat at a young age and his desire to be near water never left him. Also born was his love of cars.

Following graduation from High School, George moved to Youngstown to attend business school at YSU, from there he went to Europe to buy a Ferrari and his life as an automobile dealer began. He opened his first new car dealership, selling Fiats in Youngstown. From there he opened used car dealerships, around Columbiana, Salem, and Youngstown.

He met his wife Joan in 1976 and they joined forces to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

In June of 1982 in his most pivotal automobile move he opened GT Motorcar in Erie Pa., a Mercedes Benz dealership where he made so many lifetime friends and began so many adventures.

 He was also owner of Acura, Chevrolet and Porsche, Audi, dealerships throughout the years.

While in Erie, George began a franchise of the world basketball league, called the Erie Wave, for that he was named an Erie Ambassador.

In the 1990’s he moved to Pittsburgh and had other wonderful years with even more lifetime friends.

There he developed commercial real estate and went back to the Three Rivers for even more great times.

In 2016, Joan and George moved back to Youngstown, and eventually moved back to the historic “Forest Glen” which George always loved. He started into the business of selling used speed & pontoon boats which he said never felt like work. He did this even in the last week of his life when he couldn’t move out of bed anymore. Buyers came up to the bedroom to make their deal.

He was a 7,000-hour private pilot, a collector of automobile memorabilia and a train enthusiast, building large displays to delight children and adults.

He embarked on another adventure in Youngstown, being a sales representative for Giannios Candy Co.

Not only selling the world’s best Chocolate as he said often but made by one of the best families in the world, John, Greg, and Gus Giannios. He became their business associate and part of their family because he said they told him every Greek family needs a “George”.

George loved people, work, animals, and life. To honor him, the best gift is to live like he did, open to new adventures at every turn and to love deeply.

The family would like to thank the following: Dr. Hilmer Negrete, nurse Stefanie Potjunas, Dr. Michael O’Brien, Dr. Robert Stein, Dr. Salim El-Hayek, and especially the nurses of Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Hospital downtown.

George leaves to cherish his memory, wife Joan of 41 years, his son George Brant Turner (Kelly), grandchildren Shad, Colt, Dane, and Riley of Pittsburgh. Brother Larry of Clairton, Pa., sister Karen Kittle of Elizabeth Pa., nieces Jayme Pakalnis (Brandeen Keylor) of Canfield, Nicole Pakalnis (Brayden Larisey) of Venice Beach, Fl., Dara Ferchak (Ryan), Jayme (Leo) Johe, Bella Marrie, Nephew Wayne Kittle. Brother-in-law John Pakalnis (Missy) of Poland, great nieces Anna Ferchak and Eva Johe, and godchild Molly Goldberg of Berlin, Germany.

He was preceded by his parents George and Eva Turner, Nephew Kyle Pakalnis, father-in-law, and mother-in-law John & Sally Pakalnis and favorite “Aunt Rose” Zonfa.

Family and friends may call Friday April 5, 2024, from 4 to 7 :00 p.m. at the Fox Funeral Home 4700 Market St. Boardman.

And from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday morning April 6, 2024, at St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave. Youngstown.

Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at the Church.

Private interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

 Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. Boardman.

Family and friends of George may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to leave condolences for the Turner family.