Donald Nicholas Turock

Donald Turock, 86, faithful servant to God, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was called home to his Savior on June 6, 2024.  He grew up in the First Ward of Binghamton and learned a strong work ethic and devotion to family from a very early age. In  high school, he joined the Naval Reserves and, upon graduation, proudly served two active years in the US Navy on the USS Huse. Upon his discharge, he worked for the next 42 years as an offset prepman at Vail-Ballou Press.

Don was a founding member of Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church, where he served as an altar boy in his youth and as a choir member in his adult years. There, he met the love of his life, Jean Baron. When you think of a marriage made in Heaven, you instantly think of Don and Jean. No two people loved being together more than the two of them, whether jitterbugging on the dance floor or tending to their yard work.  In his final years, his devoted wife Jean took extraordinary measures to ensure that he passed comfortably in his home.

With his “Jimmy Johnson-esque” hair and engaging smile, “Sociable Don” could enter a room of strangers and leave with a bunch of new friends. He was an avid golfer and bowler, proud of his hole-in-one at Genegantslet and his near-perfect (299) bowling score. He loved the New York Giants (minus the Pisarcik fumble) and the New York Yankees.

Above all else, Don cherished spending time with his family.  Whether it was family trips to Hershey Park, road trips to watch the Yankees, playing rounds of golf with his son,and grandsons, giving gardening tips to the kids,or simply sitting on the curb eating popsicles with his young granddaughter Jenny explaining to her what a “cherrypicker” was.

Don was predeceased by his beloved parents, Nicholas and Mary Turock; his in-laws, Charles and Anna Lucovich; his sister-in-law, Judith Turock; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Jean, his children, and their spouses, Theresa (Terri) and Gene Urda, and Christopher and Marlene Turock. He had four grandchildren that he adored: Nicholas (Jaclyn) Urda, Jason (Elizabeth) Urda, Maria (Anthony) Pagano, and Jennifer Turock. He was also blessed and was DeeDee to six great-grandchildren, Cooper, Layla, Oliver, Vivi, AJ, and Deiter. Don also leaves his brother Robert, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church, 360 Clinton Street, Binghamton, on Wednesday, June 12th at 10:00 am. The family will receive friends at 9:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will be in Holy Spirit Cemetery. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful services from the Hospice staff at VIA Health Partners, with extra special thanks to Jennifer and Shelby, who always gave Don compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Via Health Partners - 1057 Red Ventures Drive, Suite 150; Fort Mill, SC 29707.

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