Salem: Arthur “Chubby” Turcotte age 90, died peacefully Saturday morning, March 11th at his home, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Valma (Newland) Turcotte with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. He was born and raised in Salem where he attended Salem schools. He was the son of the late Charles and Eveline (Parent) Turcotte. In high school he was an outstanding athlete, being a regular end on the 1933 Salem football team that played in Los Angeles on Christmas Day of that year. He also excelled in basketball and was a member of the Salem Aquatic Club which often performed at the Smith Memorial Pool at Salem Willows.
Chubby served in World War II in the 9th Army Air Force Service Command. While stationed in France, he contributed to the war effort by designing a die to speed up production of aircraft engine gaskets from 15 to over 8,000 per day. He met his wife Valma in England and they were married in London.
The couple returned to Salem, where he continued his education and later his career working for GE in Lynn in the jet engine division. At the same time he began his real estate business which he successfully ran until he was 80 years old. Arthur always believed in providing quality housing to his tenants and loved the relationships that he developed with them over the years. He was ahead of his time by being deeply concerned about the environment, natural resources and good health. Intellectually curious, he was always trying to improve himself. He loved his wife’s flower garden and nothing gave him greater joy in his later years than his grandchildren. He will be missed by all who loved him.
He is survived by his 3 children: Denise Johnson of Marblehead, Pauline Morency and her husband Joseph R. Morency of Salem, Paul Turcotte and his fiance Artie Miller of Miami, FL, A sister: Lina Ouellette of Raymond, NH, 5 grandchildren: Sasha Titus and her husband Skip of Marblehead, Elizabeth & Joseph Morency of Salem, Lauren & William Johnson of Marblehead, 3 great-grandchildren: Charles, Andrew & Matthew Titus, his good friend: John A. Shane of S. Hamilton, as well as nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by 2 sisters: Eveline Bourgault & Catherine “Kay” Cyr and 2 brothers: Charles & Wilfred Turcotte.
Relatives and friends are invited to his memorial mass on Tuesday, March 14th, in St. James Church, 156 Federal St., Salem at 11 am, celebrated by his nephew Rev. Ronald Bourgault. At the request of Mr. Turcotte there will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Northshore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923. For additional information please visit www.levesquefunerals.com.