Thomas W. Turner

Victor and Rochester, NY, passed away on May 21, 2026 at age 55. He was predeceased by his parents, William “Bill” Turner and Donna (Reinhard) Turner. He is survived by his sister, Laura (Edward Krossber) Turner; aunts, Nancy Galbraith, Gail (Bruce) Bernard, Mary Ann Turner; uncles, Allen (Irene) Turner, William Galbraith; cousins and many dear friends.

Tom lived a life of courage and inspiration. He was born with the birth defect, Spina Bifida, paralyzing him from the waist-down but this did not hinder his spirit or his plethora of accomplishments. Tom was a shining light to all those that knew and loved him. Tom was a lifelong resident of Victor, NY until 2019 when moved to Monroe Community Hospital for rehabilitation due to a shoulder injury.

Tom’s background included, Preschool for three years at Al Sigl Center where he learned to ambulate and swim, and then he attended Freewill Elementary School in Walworth. Tom later transferred to attend VCS Junior High and High School and he graduated from Victor Central School in 1990. Tom then furthered his education at Finger Lakes Community College and earned a degree in Communications.

After graduation, Tom worked at the family business in Victor, Turner Automotive, where he honed his communication and technology acumen to become skilled at selling Corvettes across the nation and internationally on eBay.

Tom’s family would like to recognize some of his many pleasures. These include his love of the Town of Victor, Canandaigua Speedway, NASCAR, Watkins Glen, as well as his 40 years of summers in the Adirondacks on Limekiln Lake where he made lifelong friends, learned a respect for nature, and learned to snorkel, fish and enjoy evening campfires. Tom loved movies, his favorite being Murderball which tells the story of world-class rugby athletes confined to wheelchairs and the renewal of their human spirit with their triumphs. Tom loved his beloved Facebook, watching television, and listening to music, he loved to attend live concerts. Tom also loved snowmobiling and his parents bought him a snowmobile uniquely designed for his legs to fit inside of which he loved.

Tom’s family would like to recognize some of his many interests and honors. These include advocating for others, being a charter member of Spina Bifida Family Association. Tom was the first “Young Ambassador” for the Easter Seals Society, and played a vital role in the local 1984 Telethon, raising the most money in their history. Tom also attended the Rotary Club for many speaking engagements. He was a VCS alumni podcast guest interviewer. For the Town of Victor Parks & Recreation Tom served on a committee to assist in planning and designing an accessible playground for the disabled. Tom received a commendation from President Ronald Reagan concerning his idea for creation of a Disabled Teen Hotline for teenagers and young adults, staffed by disabled counselors. He also most notably co-authored the book, Beyond the Bridge: 10 Lessons I’ve Learned From a Lifetime of Disability and was honored at a book signing celebration in 2025 at Monroe Community Hospital.

Tom’s family would like to recognize some of his many redeeming qualities. Many of the words associated with Tom are the love of family, courage, determination, inspiration, engaging, positive outlook, a great sense of humor, patient, forgiving,  strong-willed, kind and considerate, advocate, an amazing friend, and an amazing brother who was a guiding light to his sister every day.

We close with a quote from Tom, may his light continue to live on and shine brightly in all of our hearts.

“Disability is not a brave struggle or courage in the face of adversity. Disability is an art. It is an ingenious way to live. It is a lifestyle.” 

                                  –Tom Turner

Family and friends are invited to call from 4PM – 6PM on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services of Victor, Inc. (301 West Main Street, Victor, NY 14564). Interment to be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Greater Rochester Spina Bifida Association, P.O. Box 3, Fairport, NY 14450