John W. Turner, Jr., H’98

John W. Turner, Jr., H’98, a revered member of the Board of Trustees from 1987 – 2015 and one of the largest supporters of Holy Family University, passed away on January 1, 2025.

John, a former vice chair of the Board, was voted as a trustee emeritus in 2015, in recognition for his tremendous leadership and service to Holy Family.

John and his wife, Dorothy (Covone) Turner ’68, provided exceptional support and leadership to the University’s Advancement efforts, including the Annual Golf Classic and Scholarship Ball, which they co-chaired with fellow trustee, Anne Marie Pettit ’69, and her husband, James, in 1998.

The Turners established multiple name scholarships and they generously supported Holy Family’s capital campaigns which lead to the construction of the Campus Center and the Sister Francesca Onley Education and Technology Center.

They became two of the first members of the Founders Society in 1991 and they were honored with CSFN Award, which recognized outstanding contributions to the development of Holy Family and advocacy of the University in the community.

John, a proud graduate of Father Judge High School, La Salle University, and Trenton State College, received an honorary degree from Holy Family in 1998. He was a dedicated businessman and the president and CEO of Turner Industries.

The University extends our deepest condolences to his wife, Dorothy; their children Jennifer, John III M’08, and Alicia ’10; their cherished grandchildren and their extended family and friends.

His legacy of service, leadership, and philanthropy to Holy Family University will be felt in perpetuity.