William Turinski, Jr.

William Turinski, Jr., 79, of Wilkes-Barre, PA passed away peacefully on March 9th, 2021 at home.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, on July 15th, 1941, he was the oldest son of the late William and Mary Turinski, Sr.

Bill was an outstanding athlete during his high school years and received a football scholarship to Penn State University where he lettered in 1962.  Growing up in Wilkes-Barre Township, he participated in football, basketball, baseball and marbles where he exceled as a fierce competitor in every sport that he played.  After graduating from Penn State, William began his teaching and coaching career that extended from the early sixties until his retirement from coaching in 1979. 

Bill coached high school football for 4 years as an assistant and then was a head coach for 13 years for several central PA high schools.  He also coached high school basketball for 6 years as an assistant and one year as a head coach.  He coached numerous district champions in 10 years as a head coach for high school track and field.  Bill also distinguished himself as a young athlete when he won the Luzerne County Marbles championship two years in a row and competed in the National Tournament at Asbury Park, NJ in 1955 and 1956.  As a testament to Bill’s athletic accomplishments, he was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

After retiring from being an assistant principal, teaching and coaching; he served as the Township Manager for Wilkes-Barre Township. Bill enjoyed spending time with friends, especially golfing at the Wilkes-Barre Municipal Course.  Bill also enjoyed the outdoors and particularly deer hunting.

He was married to the former Carolyn (Shahoney) Turinski and is survived by his children, Drew Turinski, William “Billy” Turinski, Jill McAlister, Mark “Mick” Turinski, Terry “TJ” Turinski, 6 grandchildren, three brothers, Robert Turinski, Ron Turinski and Tom Turinski, sisters, Mary Ann Delescavage and Janice Andes, to include numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call to pay their last respects on Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral and Cremation Services, 465 S. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. In keeping with Covid19 restrictions, please wear a mask to the visitation

Online condolences can be left at KniffenFuneralHome.com.

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