Edward Francis Turley

Edward Francis Turley, son of the late Marion R. (Cox) Turley Coite and the late James D. Turley, died peacefully at his Walpole home surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 28, 2006. He was 68.

Born in Boston, he spent his early years in Dorchester where he attended St. Mark's Elementary School and Boston Technical High School, Class of 1956. In 1960, he graduated from State Teachers College at Boston where he received a bachelors of science in education. After graduation, he joined the United States Army, served his country as a private stationed at Fort Dix , New Jersey. Subsequently went on to graduate from the Massachusetts Military Academy. He served in the Massachusetts National Guard as an Armored Officer and was a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve. He received his master's degree in education from Northeastern University in 1967.

A career educator for over 40 years, his early years were spent teaching drawing and history at Millis High School. He became a counselor and then the Director of Guidance at Walpole High School for 26 years where he enriched the lives of countless students.

Widely respected as a teacher and counselor, he was recognized in 1992 as the Walpole Teacher of the Year by the Norfolk County Teacher's Association. In 1999 he was the recipient of the Goldin Foundation for Excellence in Education award for his outstanding contribution to his school and the community.

An ardent supporter of teachers and educators he served as president of the Walpole Teacher's Association, the South Suburban Guidance Association and the Millis Teacher's Associations. He was the former director of the Walpole Summer Enrichment Programs.

He was a life member of the National Education Association where he served on the steering committee for three NEASC self studies and NEASC evaluation committee for four high schools. He belonged to Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Norfolk Teacher's Association, the National Association of College Admission Counselors and the New England Association of the Admission Counselors. He was a member of the planning committee for the T.E.C. School at Regis College in Weston and of the Catholic School Counselors Association.

In 1983, he co-founded and later served as President and Executive Director of the Walpole Scholarship Foundation. To date, the fund has helped over 1,500 students with college tuition.

Following his retirement from Walpole High School in 2000, he continued his work in education as the New England Area admissions recruiter for St. Joseph's College - Standish, Maine and Nazareth College - Rochester, New York.

A long time resident of Sherborn, he served for six years on both the Sherborn School Committee and Sherborn Long-Range Planning Committee.

He was an active member of the Sherborn Bridge Club for over 30 years. He enjoyed piloting single engine aircraft, golfing, cribbage, oil painting and carpentry. Ed enjoyed a good Sunday drive pursuing his passion for searching out the best "greasy spoon" from here to Center Harbor, New Hampshire. Many fond acquaintances were made over a grilled blueberry muffin and a cup of coffee. It has been said of Ed that he only made friends; that he never passed judgment on anyone, and that he was a true gentleman.

He is survived by his wife Marjorie (Sullivan), Brothers James D., of Braintree and George H. of Englewood, FL, daughter Joan M. Woods of Portsmouth, RI; son John Edward of Columbus OH, and daughter Carolyn R. Stanwood and husband Scott of Holliston. He was the cherished grandfather of Kathryn and Lauren Woods, Ryan and Kate Stanwood. He leaves many, many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and loved ones.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Blessed Sacrament Church 10 Diamond Street corner of East Street (Rt 27) Walpole on Monday, October 2nd, 2006 at 10:00AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited Visiting hours are Sunday, October 1st, 2006 from 2-6PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home 48 Common Street Walpole. Contributions in Ed's name may be made to the Walpole Scholarship Foundation, Suite #9, 3 West Street, Walpole, MA 02081. Please reference the Edward F. Turley Scholarship. or Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston P.O. Box 200787 Houston, Texas 77216-0787.

J