Obituary of Francis David Turchik

Francis David Turchik, age 79, of Trumbull, Connecticut, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 31, 2014 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on April 11, 1935 he was the eldest child of the late Dr. Frank Turchik and Irene Buda Turchik. Dr. Turchik was a graduate of Fairfield Preparatory School, and received academic degrees from St. Thomas Seminary in Hartford, degrees in philosophy and theology from St. Mary's College Seminary in Baltimore, a doctorate of Law from St. John's University in Brooklyn, NY, followed by a master's in English from Southern Connecticut State University. He taught English for 33 years in the Connecticut Vocational Technical Schools, during which time he was honored to be named the first "Teacher of the Year" in that state system. During his tenure there he was appointed to the State Steering Committee in English, a position he held until retirement. His students fondly referred to him as "Doc" and many remained friends for life. Dr. Turchik was an exceptional educator who touched the lives of so many well beyond the walls of any classroom or school building. In addition to being an outstanding educator, he was also a mentor and counselor for students, families and colleagues. He enriched the lives of others with his depth and scope of knowledge equally matched by his curiosity and attraction to the beauty and potential in every person. Following his retirement from the Vocational Technical system, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of St. Basil College Seminary where he also tutored the Ukrainian students in English and taught a class in the Fundamentals of Sacred Eloquence. He was chosen as graduation speaker on two occasions and enjoyed frequent holidays visiting the students and their families in the Ukraine. Upon retirement, Dr. Turchik rekindled his passion for art, immersing himself in sculpture and oil painting, discovering new talents and friendships that brought him great meaning. From an early age Dr. Turchik was compelled to share his love of God and his Catholic faith. He was appointed as one of the first lay readers and Eucharistic Ministers when those responsibilities in the liturgy were entrusted to lay people. Bishop Curtis appointed him to the Board of mediation and arbitration followed by a number of years instructing parents who had children preparing for baptism. He was a lifelong member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church and a pillar of the community. His spiritual life was enhanced at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts where the monks served as mentors and dear friends. His walk with Almighty God grew, his love for the Lord was immense, and his faith unwavering. His conviction in God's unconditional love extended to all people. To family and friends he was know as "Uncle David" and is truly our angel. His life generously enriched all who knew him. We will forever be blessed by the gift of Uncle David. Survivors include his brother, Dr. James B. Turchik and his wife Evelyn of Sarasota, Florida and his sister, Mary Louise Jagoe and her husband Russell of Trumbull. The Turchik family includes Kirsten Russell, husband Bill, and their daughter Caroline; Rebecca Broekman, husband Robert, and their son Harry James; and James Turchik. The Jagoe family includes Russell Jagoe, wife Barbara, and their daughters Allison, Jillian, and Lindsey; Melissa Jagoe-Seidl, husband Ken, and their children Gabriel and Sophia; Christopher Jagoe, wife Nancy, and their children Christopher, Grace, Stephen, and John; Jennifer Jagoe, husband Peter Brooks, and their children Cecilia, Ava, and Andrejs; and Julie L'Abbe, husband Jeff, and their children Olivia and Nicholas. Friends are invited to meet directly at St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main St., Trumbull, on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 9 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Donations in his memory may be made to St. Joseph's Abbey, 167 North Spencer Road, Spencer, MA 01562.