Kerry G. Turner

Kerry G. Turner, 80, of Milford, NH, formerly of Smithfield, RI passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Born on December 2, 1945 in Smithfield, he was the son of the late Leo and Elsie (Holden) Turner. Kerry graduated from Hope High School before joining the United States Navy in 1964. In 1968, he attended the University of Maryland and later completed his degree at Rhode Island College.

Kerry worked for many years in industrial technologies, including positions with Mine Safety Appliances, ON (Cherry) Semiconductor, and Digital Equipment Corporation, before retiring from Electric Boat. Some of his fondest memories, however, came from the years he ran his own tree business. He often joked that he did his best work “with a couple of beers and a chainsaw.”

In 1974, he married Frances (Hawkins) Turner, and together they built a life filled with 51 years of shared memories while raising their three sons: Derrick Turner, and his partner Suzanne, of Barrington, RI; Nathaniel Turner, and his wife Jennifer, of Attleboro, MA; and Benjamin Turner, and his wife Elizabeth, of Milford, NH. In addition to his wife and children, Kerry also leaves behind his brother, Jonathan “Mike” Turner, and his wife Rebecca, of Bristol, VT. He was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Austin, and his brothers Robert Turner and Richard Turner.

Kerry was begrudgingly social and secretly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. In addition to his roles as “Dad” and “Uncle Kerry,” his most cherished title was “Papa” to his five grandchildren: Aiden, Avery, Cameron, Cole, and Violet.

Kerry found joy in discussing philosophy and science. He loved looking at the stars, skating on the pond, taking long hikes in the woods, and discovering unexplored places, especially alongside his late dogs, Rosco, Emma, and Riley.

A talented artist and athlete, Kerry competed in football and hockey at Hope High School and boxed while serving in the Navy. In later years, he enjoyed playing golf, but nothing was dearer to his heart than coaching youth hockey with the Northern Rhode Island Vikings. Kerry became a fixture at the Smithfield Ice Rink, where he could often be found behind the bench, teaching Learn-to-Skate, or driving the Zamboni. He formed meaningful connections with many young players during his years as a coach, but he had a special gift for forging relationships with the kids who were the toughest to reach.

Although Kerry is gone his wit, wisdom, and legendary one-liners will live on.

Services will be private. For messages of condolence, please visit Smith-Heald Funeral Home